Overview
Melilotus albus Desr. is a plant known by several common names such as White sweet clover, Bokhara clover, Melilot, Honey clover, and Sweet clover. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia. The plant is commonly found growing in fields, pastures, roadsides, and waste places.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 1-2 meters in height and has an erect and branched stem. The leaves are alternate and trifoliate, approximately 2.5 – 4 cm long, with serrated edges. The flowers are white, fragrant, and arranged in elongated clusters. The pods are small, yellowish-brown, and contain two or three seeds.
Uses
The plant has several uses, both medicinal and non-medicinal. White sweet clover is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as coughs, colds, bronchitis, fever, and inflammation. It was also used topically on wounds and skin infections. The plant contains coumarin, which gives it a sweet aroma and is responsible for its anticoagulation properties. These properties make it useful in preventing blood clots. In the food industry, White sweet clover is used as a flavoring agent in beverages, desserts, and baked goods. It is also used as a forage crop for bees and livestock. Additionally, it is used to improve soil fertility due to its ability to fix nitrogen.
Light Requirements:
Melilotus albus Desr. requires full sunlight to thrive and grow. It may tolerate partial shade, but its growth rate will be slower compared to when it is exposed to full sun.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant prefers a warm climate with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of -10°C, but it may not grow as well if exposed to such low temperatures. It is essential to avoid high-temperature fluctuations, which may cause stress to the plant and affect its growth rate.
Soil Requirements:
Melilotus albus Desr. prefers well-drained and fertile soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH range of 6.0-7.5). It can tolerate some level of salinity and alkalinity, but, in general, it is not suitable for soils with high salt and alkali contents. The plant also requires sufficient moisture during its initial growth stages, but it can tolerate mild drought once established.
Cultivation methods for Melilotus albus Desr.
Melilotus albus Desr., also known as white sweet clover, is a hardy and robust plant that is easy to cultivate. Ideally, it should be grown in full to partial sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate various types of soils, including clay, loam, sand, and alkaline soils. The plant can be propagated through seeds, and it is recommended to sow the seeds in early spring or fall.
The seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep and kept moist until germination occurs, which typically takes 7 to 10 days. Once established, the plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and spread up to 3 feet wide.
Watering needs for Melilotus albus Desr.
Melilotus albus Desr. requires moderate watering, especially during the dry season. It is essential to avoid overwatering the plant since it can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil type, but generally, it is recommended to water the plant once or twice a week, providing enough moisture to penetrate deep into the soil. During hot summers, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization of Melilotus albus Desr.
Melilotus albus Desr. is a nitrogen-fixing plant that can extract nitrogen from the air and convert it into a usable form. Therefore, the plant does not require regular fertilization. However, if the soil lacks essential nutrients or is poor in quality, a balanced fertilizer can be applied during the growth season to promote healthy growth and blooming. The fertilizer should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions, avoiding over-fertilization, which can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning of Melilotus albus Desr.
Melilotus albus Desr. is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning. However, regular deadheading can promote prolonged blooming and enhance the plant's appearance. Deadheading refers to the removal of spent flowers before they form seeds. This encourages the plant to produce more flowers, extending the blooming season and preventing the self-seeding that can lead to overcrowding.
In addition, pruning can be done in early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and promote healthy growth. The plant can be cut back to about 6 inches in height to stimulate new growth and keep the plant looking tidy. Overall, pruning should be done sparingly, avoiding excessive cutting that can damage the plant's structure and reduce its vigor.
Propagation methods of Melilotus albus Desr.
Melilotus albus Desr. can be propagated using various methods. These include:
Seed propagation
Seeds are harvested from the plant when it reaches maturity. After harvesting, the seeds can be sowed directly into the soil. Soaking the seeds in water or scarification may improve the germination rate. Seed propagation is the most commonly used propagation method for Melilotus albus.
Cuttings propagation
Melilotus albus can also be propagated using stem cuttings. The cuttings are taken from the parent plant during the growing season and are rooted in a suitable growing medium. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants with no signs of disease or pest infestation. The rooting process may take a few weeks to months depending on the environmental conditions.
Division propagation
Division propagation involves taking the root clump of a desirable plant that is healthy and dividing it into smaller sections. Each divided section should have its own shoot or bud, and a good portion of roots. Division propagation may be done in early spring or in the fall.
Propagation of Melilotus albus Desr. is fairly easy, and most gardeners can achieve good results using any of the above-mentioned methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Melilotus albus Desr.
Melilotus albus Desr., also known as white sweet clover, is a hardy and versatile plant that is commonly used as a forage crop and cover crop. However, this plant is not immune to disease and pest attacks. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect Melilotus albus and how to manage them.
Diseases
Root Rot - Root rot is a common disease that can affect Melilotus albus, especially in poorly drained soils. It is caused by soil-borne fungi such as Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Pythium. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, stunted growth, brown roots and eventual plant death. To manage root rot, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid over-irrigation. Planting resistant cultivars can also help prevent root rot.
Anthrax - Anthrax is a bacterial disease that can cause sudden wilting of Melilotus albus. It is caused by Bacillus anthracis and can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include brownish-black discoloration of the stem and leaves, followed by death of the entire plant. To manage anthrax, remove and burn infected plants, avoid overcrowding and maintain proper field sanitation.
Pests
Aphids - Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause significant damage to Melilotus albus. They feed on the plant sap and excrete honeydew, which can attract other pests and promote the growth of sooty mold. Symptoms of aphid infestation include yellowing of leaves, stunted growth and distorted plant parts. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps or oils, release natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, and practice crop rotation.
Cutworms - Cutworms are the larvae of nocturnal moths that feed on the stem of Melilotus albus, causing plant lodging or death. Symptoms of cutworm damage include wilting and cut stems at the base of the plant. To manage cutworms, employ cultural practices such as tillage or cultivation to disrupt their lifecycle, use pheromone traps or bait stations, and apply insecticides.
By practicing appropriate disease and pest management strategies, farmers and growers can ensure healthy and thriving Melilotus albus crops.
