Origin and Common Names
Neurocarpum cajanifolium C.Presl is a species of flowering plant in the family Achariaceae. It is commonly referred to as "Mugando" or "Musitya" in Brazil, where it is primarily found. The plant is also known as the "black-eyed Susan" due to its resemblance to the North American flower.Appearance
The Neurocarpum cajanifolium C.Presl plant is a small shrub that typically reaches a height of 1-2 meters. It has small leaves that are oblong in shape and are a yellow-green color. The flowers of the plant are a bright yellow color with a dark brown center that resembles a black eye. The plant produces a fruit that is round and reddish-brown in color.Uses
The Neurocarpum cajanifolium C.Presl plant is used in traditional medicine in Brazil to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The plant has also been found to have antimicrobial properties, making it useful in treating infections. In addition, the extract from the plant has potential anti-tumor properties, which have been studied in vitro. The fruit of the plant is also consumed by birds and other wildlife.Light Requirements
Neurocarpum cajanifolium C. Presl prefers full sunlight and partial shade. They grow best in a location that receives sunlight for at least six hours a day and has some shelter from the midday sun.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Neurocarpum cajanifolium C. Presl is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The plant can tolerate higher temperatures but cannot survive frost and freeze. If the temperature falls below 10°C (50°F), the plant may suffer from cold damage and may even die.
Soil Requirements
Neurocarpum cajanifolium C. Presl prefers well-drained soil that is rich in humus. The ideal pH range for the plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, and it should not be allowed to become completely dry. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve its fertility and drainage.
Cultivation Methods of Neurocarpum cajanifolium C.Presl
Neurocarpum cajanifolium C.Presl thrives in tropical regions with well-draining soil. It requires plenty of sunshine, and it is best to plant it in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. This plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Germination of seeds usually takes about two to four weeks.
Watering Needs of Neurocarpum cajanifolium C.Presl
The plant requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry seasons. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the topsoil is slightly dry to touch, and ensure that the excess water drains out of the pot. Avoid leaving the plant in standing water to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues.
Fertilization of Neurocarpum cajanifolium C.Presl
The plant requires regular fertilizer applications during its growing season, which is usually from spring to summer. Fertilization needs may vary depending on the plant's age and size. It is recommended to use a balanced, water-soluble, and slow-release fertilizer. Applying the fertilizer every two to three weeks will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients to encourage healthy growth.
Pruning of Neurocarpum cajanifolium C.Presl
Pruning is essential to keep the plant healthy and promote its growth. The best time to prune the plant is during its dormant season, which is usually in the fall or winter. Dead or diseased branches can be removed at any time. It is best to use sharp pruning shears to avoid tearing the plant's tissues. Pinching the new growth tips will encourage bushier growth while removing the old flowers will promote blooms.
Propagation Methods for Neurocarpum cajanifolium C.Presl
Neurocarpum cajanifolium C.Presl is commonly propagated through the use of seeds. Seeds are the most preferred method of propagation because they are readily available and produce plants that are similar to the parent plants.
Before planting, the seeds must be thoroughly cleaned and well-dried to avoid any fungal infections. It is advisable to soak the seeds in warm water for about 24 hours to promote quick germination.
Seeds should be planted in a mixture of sand, compost, and soil. The soil mixture should be kept moist but not too wet to avoid seed rot. It is advisable to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, about 1 cm or less.
Germination of Neurocarpum cajanifolium C.Presl takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks under optimal conditions. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots after the first set of true leaves appear.
Propagation can also be done by vegetative means, specifically through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be about 10 to 15 cm long. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of soil, sand, and compost. It is advisable to cover the cuttings with a plastic bag to create a moist environment that encourages rooting.
The cuttings should be placed under bright, indirect sunlight and kept moist. Rooting of cuttings takes about 3 to 4 weeks, after which the plants can be transplanted into individual pots.
Disease Management
Neurocarpum cajanifolium C.Presl, also known as the pigeon pea, is prone to different diseases that can affect its yield.
Fusarium wilt is a common soilborne disease that can infect the roots and stems of the plant. The first symptoms are yellowing and wilting of lower leaves, followed by the death of the plant. The best way to manage this disease is by planting resistant varieties or by practicing crop rotation to reduce the pathogen population in the soil.
Phytophthora blight is another soilborne disease that can infect the roots, stem, and leaves of the plant. The symptoms of this disease are water-soaked lesions on the stem and leaves, which later turn brown and dry. The best management practices for this disease include proper drainage, avoiding overhead irrigation, and planting in well-drained soils.
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the pods of the pigeon pea, causing them to rot and fall off the plant. The symptoms of this disease are dark, sunken lesions on the pods. The best management practices include planting resistant varieties and keeping the crop free of weeds and debris that can harbor the pathogen.
Pest Management
Several pests can also attack the pigeon pea, leading to reduced yield and stunted growth.
Pigeon pea pod fly is the most damaging pest to the pigeon pea. The larvae of this pest feed on the developing pods, causing them to rot and fall off the plant. The best management practices for this pest include intercropping with maize, sorghum, or millet, which can deter the pest from laying eggs on pigeon pea plants.
Pigeon pea pod bug is another pest that can cause significant damage to the pigeon pea. The feeding of this pest can lead to the deformation and discoloration of the pods, making them unsuitable for consumption. The best management practices for this pest include regular monitoring of the crop and the use of neem oil-based insecticides.
Pigeon pea pod wasp is a pest that can weaken the pods of the plant, leading to reduced yield and quality. The best management practices for this pest include the use of yellow sticky traps to monitor the population and the removal of infested pods to prevent the spread of the pest.
Overall, careful management and monitoring of the pigeon pea crop can help prevent the occurrence and spread of diseases and pests, leading to increased yields and better quality produce.
