Origin
Lycopsis arvensis L. subsp. orientalis (L.) Kuntze, commonly known as Oriental Bugloss, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to Europe, central Asia, and northern Africa.
Common Names
Aside from Oriental Bugloss, this plant is also known by other common names such as Field Forget-me-not, Corn Gromwell, Purple Gromwell, and Small Bugloss.
Uses
Some farmers consider Lycopsis arvensis L. subsp. orientalis as a weed because it tends to grow among cultivated crops and can reduce their yield. Nevertheless, the plant has medicinal properties, and its leaves and flowers have been used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine.
The roots of the plant are believed to have astringent properties and can be used to stop bleeding. The plant is also known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it useful for treating wounds and skin infections. Additionally, it is rich in saponins, which can be used as a natural detergent.
General Appearance
Lycopsis arvensis L. subsp. orientalis is a small annual or biennial plant that can grow up to 40 cm in height. It has slender, erect stems covered with short, stiff hairs. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves are alternate and also covered with hairs. The plant blooms from May to September, producing small blue or purple flowers that are arranged in spikes. The fruit is a four-seeded nutlet enclosed in the persistent calyx.
Light Requirements
Lycopsis arvensis L. subsp. orientalis (L.) Kuntze typically grows in full sun to partial shade conditions. However, it prefers areas with sufficient sunlight for proper growth and seed production.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including cool and hot weather. However, it prefers warmer conditions and thrives well in areas with temperatures ranging from 18-30°C.
Soil Requirements
Lycopsis arvensis L. subsp. orientalis (L.) Kuntze prefers well-draining soils with moderate moisture. It can thrive in most soil types, including sandy loam, rocky soils, and clay soils. However, it prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 5-8.
Cultivation Methods
Lycopsis arvensis L. subsp. orientalis (L.) Kuntze, commonly known as the field forget-me-not, is a hardy plant that can grow in various soil types and conditions. However, it thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight exposure. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings, and it is advisable to sow seeds in early spring or late autumn. Plant the seeds at a depth of 0.5 cm and maintain a distance of 20 cm between each plant.
Watering Needs
The field forget-me-not plant requires regular and consistent watering, especially during the growing season, to keep the soil moist. However, overwatering can cause waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. The frequency of watering should be reduced during winter to prevent soil dampness.
Fertilization
Applying compost or a general fertilizer in the early spring season can help the plant to grow healthily. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive foliage growth instead of flowers. It is also recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for optimal growth.
Pruning
Lycopsis arvensis L. subsp. orientalis (L.) Kuntze does not require frequent pruning, but it is advisable to clip off the dead flowers to encourage further blooming and to remove any diseased or damaged stems or leaves to improve the plant's overall health. Pruning should be done after the flowering season, and shaping should be done in early spring before the plant starts to grow.
Propagation of Lycopsis arvensis L. subsp. orientalis (L.) Kuntze
Lycopsis arvensis L. subsp. orientalis (L.) Kuntze, commonly known as bugloss, is a sprawling perennial plant that belongs to the family Boraginaceae. The plant is mainly propagated through seeds, and the process begins during the autumn season.
Seed Collection
Before propagating the bugloss plant, it is essential to collect seeds. The seeds can be harvested from matured plants during fall. When the flowers of the plant begin to wilt and they are brown in color, it is an indication that the seed is ready for harvest. Collect the seed heads, and dry them in a safe place.
Seed Stratification
Once the seeds have been collected and dried, they need stratification to break their dormancy. This process involves exposing the seeds to cold and moist conditions for several weeks. The seeds can be kept in a plastic bag in a fridge, or they can be sown directly into the field during late fall or early winter.
Direct Sowing
The bugloss plant can also be propagated through direct sowing. In this method, the seeds are sown directly into the soil in late fall or early winter. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and the planting should be at a depth of approximately 2-3 mm below the surface. After sowing, the plant should be watered and covered with mulch to protect the seeds from extreme weather conditions.
Vegetative Propagation
The Bugloss plant can also be propagated vegetatively by division. However, this method is not commonly used as the plant tends to produce only a few basal shoots. To propagate the plant by division, the plant should be dug out and the root system should be carefully separated into smaller sections. These sections should have at least one healthy shoot, and they should be replanted in the field as soon as possible.
Disease Management
Lycopsis arvensis L. subsp. orientalis (L.) Kuntze is susceptible to various diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The most common diseases include:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lycopersici and appears on the leaves and stems of the plant as small, dark spots that gradually enlarge and become sunken.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by various fungi and is characterized by the decay of the root system of the plant, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and eventually death.
- Mosaic virus: This viral disease causes mottled yellowing and distortion of the leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by various fungi and appears as small, water-soaked lesions on the leaves that turn brown and fall off.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good cultural practices such as using disease-resistant cultivars, planting in well-drained soil, avoiding overhead irrigation, and removing infected plants and debris from the garden. Fungicide and bactericide treatments may be necessary in severe cases, and strict sanitation and quarantine measures should be implemented to prevent the spread of diseases.
Pest Management
Lycopsis arvensis L. subsp. orientalis (L.) Kuntze is also susceptible to various pests, including:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and deformation of new growth.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars feed on the stem of the young plant, causing wilt and death.
- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves, leading to reduced photosynthesis and stunted growth.
- Thrips: These tiny insects feed on the leaves and flowers, causing distortion, discoloration, and reduced yield.
To manage these pests, it is important to practice good cultural practices such as keeping the garden area clean and free of weeds, removing infested plants, and using physical barriers and traps to prevent infestations. Insecticide treatments may be necessary in severe cases, but care should be taken to avoid harm to beneficial insects and the environment.
