Overview of Lotononis microphylla Harv.
Lotononis microphylla Harv. is a perennial legume plant that is native to southern Africa, particularly found in Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, and South Africa. The plant is commonly known as the "Small-leafed lotononis", "Flannel lotononis", or "Trampled lotononis". It belongs to the family Fabaceae and grows up to 0.3 - 0.5 meters in height.
Appearance and Growth
Lotononis microphylla has a dense, spreading, and creeping growth form with glandular and spreading hairs. The plant produces trifoliate leaves that are up to 11mm long with small, almost linear leaflets that have a velvety texture. The blooms, usually produced in the summer season, are bright yellow to orange, pea-like flowers that grow in clusters of up to 8 flowers at each node of the stem. The flowers are followed by small pods that contain seeds.
Traditional Uses of Lotononis microphylla Harv.
Lotononis microphylla has been used as a traditional medicine by some of the local communities in southern Africa. The roots of the plant are known for their astringent properties which are believed to help in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. Leaves and seeds of the plant have been traditionally used as poultices to treat various skin ailments like abscesses, eczema, and sores. The plant has also been used as fodder for livestock due to its high nutritional value.
Cultivation and Production
The plant grows naturally in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is adapted to moist to dry conditions and can tolerate frost up to -5°C. The plant can be propagated through direct seeding or through vegetative means, like stem cuttings. The plant's high tolerance to drought and pests, makes it an excellent candidate for use in soil conservation and rehabilitation of degraded lands.
In summary, Lotononis microphylla Harv. is a versatile plant, known for its medicinal properties, nutritional value, and soil conservation capabilities. It is endemic to the southern African region and can be a valuable resource to communities and farmers.Light Requirements
Lotononis microphylla Harv. prefers to grow in full sunlight or partial shade. It can adapt to different light intensities, but it thrives best when exposed to bright light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 °C. During the growing season, it requires warm temperatures above 18°C to produce new leaves and flowers. In winter, the plant can withstand temperatures as low as 7°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5-6.5. It can also grow in soils that range from sandy to loamy. The ideal soil for Lotononis microphylla Harv. should have good water retention capacity to keep the roots moist and well-nourished.
Water Requirements
The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It is drought tolerant but does not grow well in completely dry conditions. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage as this may lead to fungal infections.
Cultivation methods
Lotononis microphylla Harv. is a hardy perennial plant that thrives well in well-drained soils. The plant requires full sunlight exposure to attain optimal growth, and therefore, it should be planted in an open area where it can access sunlight throughout the day. The plant can tolerate drought but performs well when watered regularly. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Here are the cultivation methods:
- Choose a well-drained soil and an open area that receives full sunlight exposure.
- Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and adding organic matter such as compost.
- Plant the seeds or cuttings after the last frost in spring.
- Water the plants regularly, especially during the dry season.
- Protect the plants from strong winds and frost during winter.
Watering needs
Lotononis microphylla Harv. can tolerate drought but should be watered regularly to attain optimal growth. It is essential to water the plants deeply rather than a little bit every day. Here are watering tips:
- Water the plants once a week during the growing season.
- Water the plants deeply to ensure that water reaches the roots.
- Do not water the plants excessively, as it can lead to root rot.
- Reduce watering during winter, as the plant is dormant during this period.
Fertilization
Lotononis microphylla Harv. requires regular fertilization to attain optimal growth. Fertilizer provides the required nutrients that enable the plant to perform well. Here are the fertilization tips:
- Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Apply the fertilizer before planting and later after every six weeks.
- Ensure that you do not apply too much fertilizer, which can lead to leaf burn or stunted growth.
- Water the plant after fertilizing to ensure that the fertilizer reaches the roots.
Pruning
Pruning Lotononis microphylla Harv. is essential to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Prune the plant regularly to ensure that it remains compact and healthy. Here are the pruning tips:
- Prune the plant after the flowering season to remove the spent flowers and encourage bushier growth.
- Trim the plant by removing the top few inches to encourage new growth at the base.
- Remove any diseased, damaged, or dead branches as soon as you notice them.
- Do not prune more than one-third of the plant in a single pruning session.
Propagation of Lotononis Microphylla Harv.
Lotononis microphylla Harv. can be propagated via seeds or cuttings.
Propagation via Seeds
The seeds of Lotononis microphylla Harv. are small and can be directly sown into the soil. Before sowing, the seeds must be scarified to enhance germination. This can be done by either using sandpaper to gently rub the seed coat or by soaking the seeds in boiling water for a few minutes. Scarification helps to break down the hard seed coat and allows for better water absorption. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation via Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from mature stems of Lotononis microphylla Harv. during spring or summer. The cuttings should be approximately 10 cm long and taken from healthy plants. The bottom of the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone powder and inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture. The pot should be placed in a warm, bright location and kept moist. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks, after which it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Lotononis microphylla Harv.
Lotononis microphylla Harv., also known as small-leaved lotononis or umaswele in South Africa, is a species of leguminous plant that is native to Southern and Eastern Africa. It is commonly used as a forage crop for livestock and is also valued for its nitrogen-fixing abilities that help improve soil fertility. Like all other crops, Lotononis microphylla is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause damage and reduce its yield.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Lotononis microphylla is root rot, which is caused by fungi such as Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium spp. The disease manifests as yellowing and wilting of the leaves, stunting of the plant, and decay of the roots. Crop rotation, improving soil drainage, and avoiding excessive irrigation can help prevent the disease. Fungicides such as benomyl and thiophanate-methyl can also be used to control the disease.
Lotononis microphylla is also susceptible to leaf spot caused by Cercospora spp. The disease appears as small, circular, yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which can coalesce to form larger lesions. The lesions eventually lead to premature leaf drop, reducing the overall plant vigor. The disease can be managed by removing infected plant debris, avoiding overhead irrigation, and use of fungicides such as chlorothalonil and mancozeb.
Viral diseases such as Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) and Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) can also affect Lotononis microphylla. Symptoms of viral infection in the plant include stunting, mosaic patterns, and yellowing of the leaves. There is no cure for viral diseases, and the best management practice is to remove infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants.
Common Pests
Lotononis microphylla can be attacked by various insect pests that can cause damage and reduce yield. One of the common pests is the legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata), which damages the pods, causing significant economic losses. The pest can be controlled using integrated pest management strategies such as planting early-maturing cultivars, crop rotation, and the use of pesticides such as cypermethrin.
Another pest that affects Lotononis microphylla is the red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), which feeds on the plant's chlorophyll, causing yellowing and eventual death of the leaves. The pest can be managed by using acaricides such as abamectin and spiromesifen, reducing plant stress by avoiding excessive fertilization, and promoting beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that prey on the mites.
Lastly, the African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) can attack Lotononis microphylla, causing defoliation and reduced yield. The pest can be controlled using integrated pest management strategies such as crop rotation, timely planting to avoid the pest's peak season, and the use of pesticides such as lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin.
Effective disease and pest management practices are essential in ensuring maximum yield and profitability in Lotononis microphylla farming. Farmers should consult with their agricultural extension officers or other experts to get advice on the best management practices to use in their specific areas.
