Overview
Medicago polymorpha L. var. tricycla (Gren. & Godr.) Shinners, commonly known as burclover, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Europe and has been introduced to many parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, South America, and North America.
Appearance
Burclover is an annual or biennial plant that grows up to 50cm in height. It has a branching stem with alternate compound leaves that have three to six leaflets. The leaves are hairy, oval-shaped, and about 2-3cm long. The plant produces small yellow flowers that grow in clusters of two to six at the end of long stalks. The flowers are followed by seed pods that are covered in small hooks that stick to clothing and animal fur, aiding in seed dispersal.
Common Names
Burclover is known by a variety of common names, including California burclover, toothed burclover, and three-leaved clover. The term "burclover" refers to the plant's seedpod-covered burrs that can attach to clothing and animal fur, while "three-leaved clover" describes the shape of its leaves.
Uses
Burclover is primarily used as forage for livestock, as it is a nutritious source of protein and minerals. It is also used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility. In some cultures, the plant is used as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions. Some people also use it as a natural dye for textiles.
Overall, Medicago polymorpha L. var. tricycla is a versatile plant with many practical uses and an interesting appearance.Light Conditions
Medicago polymorpha L. var. tricycla requires full sunlight in order to grow properly. The plant is generally not shade tolerant and will not thrive in areas with reduced sunlight or limited exposure to direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, thriving in hot and arid climates. The optimal temperature range for growth and development is around 16-24°C. Temperatures above this range may cause the plants to wilt, while temperatures below this range may slow growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Medicago polymorpha L. var. tricycla requires well-draining soil with a neutral pH of 6.0-7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil must be fertile and rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The presence of adequate nutrients in the soil is crucial for the development of healthy foliage and robust root systems.
Cultivation Methods
Medicago polymorpha L. var. tricycla (Gren. & Godr.) Shinners, also known as burclover, is a hardy, annual legume that is valued for its forage production and as a cover crop. It grows best in moderate climates with temperatures between 59-77°F. The plant prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soils with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Burclover can be grown in full sun, but it also tolerates partial shade.
Seeds should be planted in early fall, after the soil has warmed up from summer, or in spring when soil temperatures are above 50°F. Sow the seeds at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch, spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. Tamp the soil down and keep it moderately moist until the seedlings sprout in about 10-14 days. Burclover can be inter-seeded with other crops or planted after a cereal crop harvest.
Watering Needs
Burclover has moderate water demands and requires about 18 to 22 inches of rainfall per year. If rainfall is not sufficient, the plant will require supplemental irrigation. Water should be applied every 7-10 days, depending on weather conditions, until the plant is established. Once established, burclover can tolerate some drought stress, but periods of extended drought can hurt production. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Burclover is an excellent nitrogen fixer and can provide up to 200 units of nitrogen per acre. However, phosphorous and potassium are relatively low in the plant compared to other legumes. If the soil is deficient in these nutrients, apply a complete fertilizer before planting or after the first cutting. For optimal growth and production, perform a soil test and adjust nutrient levels as needed.
Pruning
Burclover requires no pruning, as it is an annual plant that dies back after seeding. However, if used as a cover crop to improve soil health and prevent erosion, it should be mowed or grazed before it sets seed. This will prevent the plant from becoming too woody and difficult to incorporate back into the soil. If used for forage, wait until the stems become slightly woody (approximately 3-4 inches tall), before grazing or harvesting. This will allow the plant to reach its full potential and maximize forage yield.
Propagation of Medicago polymorpha L. var. tricycla (Gren. & Godr.) Shinners
Medicago polymorpha L. var. tricycla (Gren. & Godr.) Shinners, commonly known as burclover, is a legume plant that is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is a hardy plant that is well adapted to dry and low-nutrient soils. Propagation of this plant can be done through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Medicago polymorpha L. var. tricycla (Gren. & Godr.) Shinners can be done through seed. The seeds of the plant are small, round, and brown in color. They can be directly sown into the soil in the spring or fall. Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified to increase the chances of germination. Scarification can be done by rubbing the seeds against sandpaper or soaking them in hot water for several hours.
The plant can also be propagated through cuttings taken from young, healthy plants. The cuttings should be about 4 inches long and taken in the summer. Before planting, the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The new plants should be kept moist and in a warm, sunny location until they are established.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Medicago polymorpha L. var. tricycla (Gren. & Godr.) Shinners can be done through division. It is recommended to divide the plant in the spring or fall. To do this, the plant should be dug up carefully, and the roots should be separated into smaller sections. Each section should have some roots and several shoots. The new plants should be planted immediately in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they are established.
Asexual propagation can also be done through layering. Layering involves bending a low branch of the plant towards the soil and covering it with soil. The branch should be secured in place with a stake. The new roots will grow from the covered section, and once established, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a new location.
Disease Management
Medicago polymorpha L. var. tricycla is susceptible to a range of diseases, including Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, bacterial blight, and rust.
Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease can cause wilting, stunting, and yellowing of leaves. It can be controlled by planting resistant varieties, practicing crop rotation, and managing irrigation to avoid waterlogging.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on leaves and stunted growth. It can be managed by planting disease-resistant varieties, avoiding overhead irrigation, and keeping the area around the plants free from debris.
Bacterial blight: This bacterial disease can cause blackened stems, leaf drop, and branch dieback. It can be controlled by following good cultural practices such as avoiding overhead irrigation and pruning out infected branches.
Rust: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and premature leaf drop. It can be managed by planting rust-resistant varieties and avoiding overhead irrigation.
Pest Management
Medicago polymorpha L. var. tricycla is also susceptible to a range of pests, including aphids, thrips, and snails.
Aphids: These tiny insects can cause yellowing and distortion of leaves. They can be controlled by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or by applying insecticidal soap to the affected plants.
Thrips: These small, slender insects can cause silvery streaks on leaves and deformed growth. They can be managed by introducing natural predators such as predatory mites or lacewings or by applying neem oil to the affected plants.
Snails: These mollusks can cause extensive damage to young seedlings. They can be managed by using physical barriers such as copper bands around the base of plants, handpicking, or applying iron phosphate baits.
Implementing good cultural practices such as crop rotation, proper irrigation, and regular inspection can also help prevent and manage both diseases and pest infestations in Medicago polymorpha L. var. tricycla.
