Origin of Medicago polymorpha L. var. brevispina (Benth.) Heyn
Medicago polymorpha L. var. brevispina (Benth.) Heyn is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae, subfamily Papilionoideae. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but has been introduced and naturalized in various parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America.
Common Names
Medicago polymorpha L. var. brevispina (Benth.) Heyn has several common names, including bur clover, toothed medick, and shamrock. The name 'bur clover' is due to the presence of burs or prickly seedpods, while the name 'toothed medick' refers to the toothed leaflets of the plant. The name 'shamrock' is due to the resemblance of the plant to the symbol of Ireland.
Uses of Medicago polymorpha L. var. brevispina (Benth.) Heyn
Medicago polymorpha L. var. brevispina (Benth.) Heyn is used in agriculture as a forage crop for livestock, as it is highly palatable and nutritious. It is also used as a cover crop to improve soil fertility and control erosion. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties and has been used to treat various ailments, including respiratory problems, digestive disorders, and skin diseases.
General Appearance
Medicago polymorpha L. var. brevispina (Benth.) Heyn is an annual herb that grows up to 40 cm tall. It has a taproot system and a spreading growth habit, with numerous branches and leaves. The leaves are trifoliate, with toothed leaflets that are oval to oblong in shape. The flowers are small, ranging in color from white to purple, and are borne in compact clusters at the tips of the stems. The fruit is a bur, which contains 1-2 seeds that are oval in shape and brown in color.
Light Requirements
Medicago polymorpha var. brevispina prefers full sun or partial shade conditions for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but excessive shade can reduce growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in a wide range of temperature conditions. It can tolerate hot and dry conditions, as well as cooler temperatures. However, it doesn't grow well under frost conditions and can be damaged by frost. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth. It can tolerate different soil types including sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils. However, the plant doesn't grow well in heavy and sticky soils. It also requires sufficient nutrients in the soil for optimal growth.
Cultivation
Medicago polymorpha L. var. brevispina (Benth.) Heyn, commonly known as burclover, is an annual legume that thrives in warm and dry sunny areas. It grows best in well-drained soil with a neutral pH of 6.0-7.5, and requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily. The plant can be propagated from seeds, which should be sowed in fall or early spring to enable the establishment of healthy root systems before summer.
Watering Needs
Burclover requires regular watering to produce high yields. The first inch of the soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. When the plant is well-established, the frequency of watering can be reduced since the roots can access water from deeper soil levels. The amount of water required will depend on the soil type, weather, and age of the plant. It is important to avoid overwatering, which causes the plant to rot or develop fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Since burclover is a legume, it has the ability to form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Therefore, it requires minimal fertilization. However, in areas with low soil fertility, a small amount of nitrogen or phosphorous fertilizer can be applied before planting to enhance plant growth and development. Excessive use of fertilizer can lead to the development of lush foliage but fewer flowers and seeds.
Pruning
Burclover grows to a height of 30-80 cm, and does not require pruning. However, if you want to manage its growth or shape it into a specific form, pruning should be done in early spring or fall after the flowering and seed production period. The pruning should be done using a clean and sharp tool to avoid causing unnecessary damage to the plant. Pruning burclover is not mandatory, but it can improve plant health and vigor.
Propagation of Medicago Polymorpha L. Var. Brevispina (Benth.) Heyn
Medicago polymorpha L. var. brevispina (Benth.) Heyn, also known as burclover, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly found in North America and has become an important forage crop for livestock. It can also be grown as a cover crop or for soil improvement. The plant can be propagated by different methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common and easiest method to grow burclover. The plant produces numerous seeds that can be collected and sown in the soil. Seeds can be collected from mature plants in late summer or early fall when the pods turn brown. The seeds must be planted in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The seedlings emerge within a week or two, and after a few weeks, the plants start to produce leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can also be used to grow burclover. The cuttings can be taken from a mature plant in spring or summer. The stem cuttings are about 6 inches long and are removed from the mother plant with a sharp knife. The cuttings are then treated with rooting hormone and placed in a well-drained, pre-watered soil mixture. The cuttings are kept moist and covered with a plastic bag until rooting occurs. After rooting, the plastic bag is removed, and the cuttings are watered as needed.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is a method used to increase the number of plants. The plant is dug up carefully, and the root system is separated into smaller sections. Each section must have a few leaves and roots attached. The divided sections are planted in well-drained soil and watered regularly until established. This method is usually done in early spring when plants start growing.
Disease and Pest Management for Medicago Polymorpha L. var. Brevispina (Benth.) Heyn
Medicago polymorpha L. var. brevispina (Benth.) Heyn or burr medic is a forage legume that is commonly planted for livestock feed. However, just like any other plant, it is also susceptible to diseases and pest infestations that can negatively affect its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect burr medic and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fusarium Wilt: This is a fungal disease that is characterized by yellowing, wilting, and death of the plant. The fungus can survive in the soil for several years, making burr medic susceptible to re-infection. To manage this disease, avoid planting burr medic in infected fields, practice crop rotation, and use resistant cultivars.
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and brown, leading to defoliation and stunted growth. To manage anthracnose, plant resistant cultivars, control weeds and insects that may spread the disease, and practice good crop hygiene.
Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to a decrease in plant growth and yield. Practicing good drainage, avoiding over-irrigation, and using well-drained soils can help prevent and manage root rot.
Common Pests
Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, leading to curled and stunted leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticides, introduce natural predators, like ladybugs and lacewings or, if the infestation is not severe, blast them off with a strong stream of water.
Cutworms: These are caterpillars that cut the plant at the stem base, leading to plant death. To manage cutworms, use insecticides, handpick the caterpillars, and use physical barriers, like collars, to prevent them from reaching the plants.
Spider Mites: These are tiny mites that suck the sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and defoliation. To manage spider mites, use insecticides, introduce natural predators, like ladybugs and lacewings or, if the infestation is not severe, blast them off with a strong stream of water.
Implementing good cultural practices, such as crop rotation, good irrigation practices, and adequate nutrition, can also help prevent diseases and pests from affecting burr medic. Regular scouting and monitoring of the fields can help detect and address any issues early on, preventing significant damage to the plants.
