Origin
Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. is a subspecies of the plant species Medicago laciniata. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is native to the Mediterranean region, specifically in countries such as Greece, Italy, and Turkey.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Schimper's Medick, a reference to the botanist and plant collector W. Schimper. It is also referred to as Cutleaf Medick, due to the deeply divided leaves of the plant.
Uses
Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. is commonly used as a forage crop for livestock due to its high nutritional value. It is also used as a cover crop to improve soil quality and as a green manure crop to provide nutrients to the soil. The plant contains bio-active compounds and has been found to have various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
General Appearance
Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 50cm tall. Its leaves are compound, with each leaf having 3-7 narrow and deeply divided leaflets. The flowers are yellow and small, and they are produced in clusters on a long stalk. The plant produces small, brown, and kidney-shaped seeds that are used for propagation.
Light Requirements
Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. prefers full sunlight for optimal growth conditions. It can tolerate partial shade but will grow best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. grows best in temperatures between 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). It can withstand temperatures as low as -10 °C (14 °F) and as high as 35 °C (95 °F) but growth will be stunted in extreme temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. prefers well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a range of soil textures but grows best in sandy or loamy soils. The plant requires moderate levels of nitrogen and phosphorus for optimal growth, but excessive levels of nutrients may lead to stunted growth or nutrient deficiencies.
Cultivation Methods
Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that is relatively easy to grow. It thrives in well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline, and it prefers full sun exposure.
When cultivating this plant, you should start by preparing the planting site by removing any weeds or other debris. You should then dig a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the root ball of the seedling. The plant should be spaced about 12 inches apart to allow for proper growth and development.
After planting, you should water the seedlings well and add some mulch around the base of the plant. This will help to conserve moisture and protect the roots from extreme temperatures. You should also monitor the plant for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate measures if necessary.
Watering Needs
Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in relatively dry conditions. However, it is important to provide adequate moisture to ensure proper growth and development.
The plant should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season. You should avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. It is essential to water the plant when the first inch of soil becomes dry.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary for the growth and development of Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. The plant requires a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 15-15-15.
You should apply fertilizer every three months during the growing season. You should also avoid applying too much fertilizer, as this can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer, or you can consult a professional for guidance.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. However, you can prune the plant to maintain its shape, height, or to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can do this during the winter or early spring.
To prune the plant, you should use sharp, clean pruning shears. You should make sure to make clean cuts at an angle to prevent damage to the plant. You should also avoid removing more than one-third of the plant's foliage to prevent excessive stress or damage to the plant.
Propagation of Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn.
Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. is mainly propagated through seed and vegetative methods. The easiest and most common propagation method for this plant is by seeds.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. can either be purchased from a reputable seed source or collected from the mother plants. For optimum germination, seeds should be planted in well-draining soil. The seeds should be sown in shallow trenches, then covered with fine soil, and watered well. The seed trays should be kept in a warm and humid location until the seedlings emerge.
It is important to note that the seeds of Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. have a hard seed coat that can limit germination. To break the seed coat, the seeds can be pre-soaked for a few hours before sowing, or the hard seed coat can be treated with sulfuric acid to soften it. However, this treatment should be done with caution as sulfuric acid is a hazardous substance.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn. can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as stem cuttings, layering, and division. However, these methods are less common and require more skill and effort.
The best time for rooting stem cuttings is during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, and the basal leaves should be removed. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil mix. They should be kept moist and warm until new growth appears.
Layering involves burying a portion of the stem below the soil while still attached to the mother plant. After a period of time, a new plantlet will develop at the buried portion, and it can be separated once it has developed its own root system.
Division involves separating an established plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. This method is best done during the plant's dormancy period, and the sections should be replanted in well-draining soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn.
Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn., commonly known as Schimper's medick, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to North Africa and the Sahel region of Africa. Like other plants, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases, which can reduce its growth and yield. The following are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases that Affect Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant, causing yellow or brown spots on the leaves, premature defoliation, and reduced yield. To manage the disease, remove the infected plant parts and apply fungicides such as azoxystrobin or pyraclostrobin.
Alternaria leaf spot: Alternaria leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes dark brown or black spots on the leaves, which can enlarge and merge to form large patches. The disease can also affect the stems and pods. To manage the disease, remove the infected plant parts and apply fungicides such as chlorothalonil or mancozeb.
Verticillium wilt: Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves, stunting of the plant, and premature defoliation. The disease can survive in the soil for many years. To manage the disease, avoid planting the crop in infected soils, plant resistant varieties, and apply fungicides such as thiophanate-methyl.
Common Pests that Affect Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. subsp. schimperiana P.Fourn.
Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distorted growth. To manage the pests, remove the infested plant parts and apply insecticides such as imidacloprid or thiamethoxam.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and stippling of the leaves. The infested leaves can fall off prematurely. To manage the pests, remove the infested plant parts, spray the plant with water to dislodge them, and apply miticides such as abamectin or bifenthrin.
Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of moths that feed on the stems of the plant, causing wilting and death. To manage the pests, handpick or use bait stations with insecticides such as carbaryl or spinosad.
Overall, proper sanitation, crop rotation, and the use of resistant varieties can help prevent diseases and pest infestations and reduce the need for chemical control.
