Overview:
Maruta cotula, also known as Mayweed Chamomile or Stinking Chamomile, is an annual herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, and has spread widely in temperate regions around the world, including the United States and Canada.
Description:
The plant has a loose and bushy growth habit, reaching a height of 15 to 60 cm, with a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed or broken. Its stems are erect, branched, and hairy, and its leaves are pinnate, with narrow, feathery segments, giving the plant a delicate, fern-like appearance. The yellow-green flowers grow in heads that resemble daisies, with a yellow center and white petals around the edge.
Common Names:
Maruta cotula is commonly known as Mayweed Chamomile or Stinking Chamomile. It is also called Dog Fennel, Wild Chamomile, and mayweed.
Uses:
Maruta cotula has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat a range of ailments, including fever, headaches, digestive disorders, and respiratory complaints. It is also used as a natural insect repellent and for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The plant has been used externally as a poultice for wounds, bruises, and skin rashes. In addition, the flowers have been used to make a tea that is said to have a calming effect and aid in sleep.
Light Requirements
Maruta cotula grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. In shaded areas, the plant may become leggy and weak with fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for growing Maruta cotula is between 18-25°C (64-77°F). This plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, but it may not tolerate extreme cold or heat. Frost may damage the plant, and temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can stunt growth.
Soil Requirements
Maruta cotula prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5-7.5. It can grow in sandy or loamy soils, but it thrives in fertile, well-amended soil with plenty of organic matter. The plant may struggle in heavy, compacted soil or overly dry soil. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Cultivation Methods:
Maruta cotula, commonly known as C.Oxeye daisy, is an annual plant that can be easily grown from seed. It prefers a full-sun location and well-drained soil, although it can tolerate a range of soil types. The best time to plant seeds is in the spring after the last frost or in the fall, around 6 to 8 weeks before the first expected frost.
Watering Needs:
Maruta cotula needs regular watering, especially during the germination period. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. After germination, reduce the frequency of watering to avoid excessive water. Water the plant once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization:
Maruta cotula does not require frequent fertilization, but a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Pruning:
Maruta cotula does not require pruning, but deadheading, or removing spent flowers can prolong the blooming season. Cut the stem just above the first set of leaves below the flower head. If the plant becomes too tall and leggy, pinching back or cutting back the entire plant by half can promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Maruta cotula (L.) DC.
Maruta cotula (L.) DC., commonly known as Mayweed or Stinking chamomile, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe and Northern Asia but has been introduced and naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America. Maruta cotula reproduces through both sexual and asexual means. The following are the propagation methods used for Maruta cotula.
Seeds
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Maruta cotula. The plant produces tiny yellow flowers that produce achenes (a type of fruit). The achenes contain the seeds. After the flowers have bloomed, the seeds will develop and are ready to be harvested when the flower head turns brownish-yellow. At this stage, the seeds can be plucked and stored in a cool, dry place for later planting. The seeds can be directly sown into the ground in the late fall or early spring. When planting, it is recommended to space the seeds 6-12 inches apart and to plant them at a depth of 1/8 inch. The seeds typically germinate within 10-30 days, depending on the temperature.
Division
Maruta cotula can also be propagated through division. This method is particularly useful if the plant has become overcrowded and needs to be thinned out. The plant has a shallow root system that can easily be divided by carefully digging up the root ball. Once the root ball is exposed, it can be separated into multiple sections using a sharp knife or garden shears. Each section should contain a portion of the root system and some foliage. These sections can be replanted in a new location and watered well until established.
Cuttings
Maruta cotula can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method is useful if you want to ensure that the new plant has the same genetic makeup as the parent plant. To propagate through cuttings, select a healthy stem and cut a section that is 2-3 inches long. Remove the lower leaves from the stem and place it in a container with moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a bright, but not direct, sunlight. The cutting should root within 3-6 weeks and can be transplanted into the garden once it has developed strong roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Maruta cotula (L.) DC.
Maruta cotula, commonly known as the stinking chamomile, is a flowering annual weed that grows in agricultural crops, uncultivated areas, and waste lands. The plant produces strong-smelling foliage that can be used to repel insects. However, Maruta cotula is also susceptible to various diseases and pests that can damage the plant and reduce its productivity.
Common Diseases
Maruta cotula is susceptible to various fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, and stem rot. Powdery mildew is a common disease that causes white powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Downy mildew, on the other hand, causes yellow patches on the leaves and reduces their photosynthetic activity. Stem rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, affects the stem of the plant and causes it to wilt and rot from the base.
Pest Management
Maruta cotula is prone to being attacked by a range of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers. These pests can cause severe damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. Aphids, for example, can transmit viruses that cause stunted growth and reduce the yield of the plant. Spider mites, on the other hand, can cause webbing on the leaves and lead to defoliation.
To manage the pests, farmers can use insecticides that contain active ingredients such as pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and organophosphates. However, these chemical pesticides should be used responsibly and only when necessary, as they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators. Alternatively, farmers can use integrated pest management practices that involve crop rotation, sanitation, and the use of biological control agents such as ladybugs and lacewings. These practices are eco-friendly and can help maintain a healthy balance between pests and beneficial insects in the environment.
Disease Management
To manage fungal diseases, farmers can use fungicides that contain active ingredients such as azoxystrobin, tebuconazole, and propiconazole. These fungicides can be applied as preventive measures or as curative treatments, depending on the severity of the disease. However, like insecticides, these chemical pesticides should be used responsibly and only when necessary, as they can harm beneficial microorganisms and pollinators.
Alternatively, farmers can use cultural practices such as crop rotation, proper sanitation, and planting resistant varieties to reduce the incidence of fungal diseases. Crop rotation prevents the buildup of fungal pathogens in the soil, while proper sanitation involves the removal and destruction of infected plant debris. Planting resistant varieties, on the other hand, ensures that the plant is not susceptible to the disease.
In conclusion, disease and pest management for Maruta cotula can be achieved through a combination of effective cultural practices, responsible use of chemical pesticides, and the use of biological control agents. Farmers should adopt these practices to maintain a healthy balance between pests and beneficial insects in the environment and to improve the productivity and quality of their crops.
