Origin:
Lotus corniculatus L. var. corniculatus, commonly known as Bird's Foot Trefoil, is a perennial herb of the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia and has now been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Common Names:
Bird's Foot Trefoil is also known by various names such as Eggs and Bacon, Butterfly Pea, Crowtoes, and Bacon and Eggs.
Uses:
Lotus corniculatus L. var. corniculatus has many uses such as:
- The plant is commonly used as a forage crop that is fed to livestock such as horses, cows, and sheep.
- The plant has medicinal properties and has been used to treat various ailments including mouth sores, fevers, and diarrhea.
- The plant is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammation and infections.
- The flowers of Bird's Foot Trefoil are often used in the preparation of herbal tea.
- The plant is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance:
The plant grows to an average height of 30-50 cm and has a fibrous root system that allows it to grow in poor soil conditions. The leaves of Bird's Foot Trefoil are 2-6 cm long and are divided into 5 leaflets that resemble a bird's foot, hence the common name. The flowers are bright yellow and bloom from May to September. The plant is self-fertile and produces small, oblong pods that contain seeds, which can be used for seed production or replanting.
Light requirements:
Lotus corniculatus L. var. corniculatus typically requires full sunlight to grow well. It can also tolerate partial shade, but the plant may grow less vigorously in such conditions. In the absence of adequate sunlight, the plant may fail to produce enough energy for photosynthesis and may also suffer from reduced growth and development.
Temperature requirements:
The optimal temperature for the growth of Lotus corniculatus L. var. corniculatus usually ranges between 15°C to 30°C. Below 10°C, the plant may experience stunted growth, while temperatures above 35°C can cause damage to the plant tissues or even death. The plant can tolerate some frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can kill it.
Soil requirements:
Lotus corniculatus L. var. corniculatus grows best in a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should range from slightly acidic to neutral (i.e., pH of 6.5 to 7.5). The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, but it prefers a sandy loam soil. Additionally, the soil should be moderately fertile, as an excess of nitrogen can encourage the growth of weeds and reduce the yield of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Lotus corniculatus L. var. corniculatus, commonly known as bird's foot trefoil, is a perennial plant that can grow up to 50 centimeters tall. It is a hardy plant and can grow in any soil type, but it prefers well-drained soil and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. For optimal growth, the plant needs to be grown in full sunlight.
Sow the seeds directly into the soil during the spring or fall. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 to 2 centimeters. After sowing, water the soil and keep it moist until the seedlings emerge. Thin the seedlings to about 10 centimeters apart to give them enough room to grow.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering. It should not be overwatered as this can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top layer of the soil feels dry to the touch. It is important to water the plant at the base to prevent moisture from settling on the leaves, which can encourage the growth of fungi and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for the bird's foot trefoil plant as it can grow in nutrient-poor soils. However, if you want to boost the growth of the plant, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year during the spring season. The fertilizer should have a balanced N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
Pruning
Bird's foot trefoil does not require much pruning. However, it is advisable to deadhead the plant after flowering to encourage the growth of new flowers. Deadheading involves removing the spent flowers by cutting them back to the base of the flower stalks. This will help to promote new growth and prolong the blooming period.
Propagation of Lotus corniculatus L. var. corniculatus
Lotus corniculatus L. var. corniculatus, commonly known as bird's-foot trefoil, is a perennial legume with bright yellow flowers. It is a popular forage crop for livestock and also has ecological benefits for pollinators and soil health.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for bird's-foot trefoil is through seed. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in the late summer or early fall. The soil should be kept moist until germination, which can occur within 2 to 4 weeks. Once seedlings are established, they should be thinned to avoid overcrowding.
Vegetative Propagation
Bird's-foot trefoil can also be propagated using vegetative methods, such as stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings should be taken in early spring and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. Division can be done in the spring or fall, where the plant is dug up and separated into smaller sections with roots attached.
Inoculation
Before planting, it is recommended to inoculate the seeds or soil with nitrogen-fixing bacteria specific to bird's-foot trefoil. This bacteria helps the plant take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form the plant can use for growth. Inoculation kits are available at most garden centers and should be used according to the package instructions.
Disease and Pest Management for Lotus corniculatus L. var. corniculatus
Lotus corniculatus L. var. corniculatus, commonly known as bird's-foot trefoil, is a perennial legume that is cultivated for pasture, hay, and soil conservation. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil and climate conditions, but it is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can reduce its productivity and quality. Proper disease and pest management practices can help to minimize the impact of these threats and ensure the healthy growth of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests of bird's-foot trefoil and their management.
Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves, stems, and pods of bird's-foot trefoil. It causes brown to black lesions on the affected tissues that can lead to defoliation and yield losses. The disease is favored by warm and humid weather conditions and can be controlled by applying fungicides and practicing crop rotation.
Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves and stems of bird's-foot trefoil. The disease is spread through contaminated seed and infected plant debris and can be prevented by using disease-free seed and crop rotation.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange to brown pustules on the leaves and stems of bird's-foot trefoil. It can reduce the growth and quality of the plant and is favored by wet and humid conditions. Rust can be managed by applying fungicides and practicing good sanitation practices.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of bird's-foot trefoil. They can cause stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves, and reduced yield. Aphids can be controlled by using natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, or by applying insecticides.
Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the roots and stems of bird's-foot trefoil. They can cause wilting and death of the plant and are favored by moist soils. Cutworms can be managed by practicing crop rotation, using tillage practices that expose the larvae to predators, and applying insecticides.
Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant and cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. They can also transmit viral diseases that can reduce the yield and quality of the plant. Leafhoppers can be controlled by using insecticides or by planting the crop in areas that are not heavily infested.
Proper disease and pest management practices are essential for the healthy growth of bird's-foot trefoil and the success of the crop. By identifying and managing the threats that can affect the plant, farmers can ensure a reliable and high-quality harvest.
