Overview:
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. besseyi is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as Bessey's locoweed and is native to North America.
Description:
The plant grows up to 30 cm tall and has a stout, woody stem. The leaves are alternate, compound, and pinnate with 13-19 leaflets. The leaflets are oblong, about 1-3 cm long, and are covered with dense, short hairs. The flowers are pink to purple and are arranged in a spike-like structure. The fruit is a narrow, oblong pod that is up to 3 cm long and contains 1-2 seeds.
Uses:
The plant contains alkaloids and toxins that can cause serious harm to livestock if ingested in large quantities. However, some Native American tribes have used the plant for medicinal purposes, such as treating respiratory ailments, specifically asthma. It has also been used in some traditional herbal medicines to treat conditions such as colds and fevers.
Cultivation:
Oxytropis besseyi requires a well-drained soil and can tolerate hot and dry conditions. It can be propagated through seeds or root cuttings and can be used in wildflower gardens and prairie restorations. It is not commonly cultivated due to its toxic nature.
Light Requirements
Oxytropis besseyi var. besseyi prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause stunted growth and reduced flowering. When selecting a site for planting, it is important to choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Oxytropis besseyi var. besseyi is adapted to cold climates and can tolerate freezing temperatures. However, extreme heat can be detrimental to its growth and survival. The plant prefers cool to moderate temperature conditions ranging from 5°C to 25°C. In hot climates, planting in a shaded area can help protect the plant from the sun's heat.
Soil Requirements
Oxytropis besseyi var. besseyi prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-8.0). It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but prefers sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate drought conditions but prefers evenly moist soil. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil can improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. besseyi plant thrives in areas with well-drained soil. You can cultivate the plant using seeds or plant divisions. If propagating through seeds, you can prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 12 inches, mixing well-rotted manure, and then seed the area.
Ensure that you plant about 2-3 seeds per hole with a spacing of approximately 3 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil but ensure that you do not bury them too deep in the ground. As the plant grows, thin the seedlings to leave the strongest one in every hole.
Watering Needs
Water the Oxytropis besseyi plant regularly, especially during the summer months. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Water deeply, at least once a week, making sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
The best time to fertilize the Oxytropis besseyi plant is in the spring, just as growth resumes. Apply a balanced fertilizer, following the manufacturer's instructions, and avoid overfertilization, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth with no flowers.
Pruning
The Oxytropis besseyi plant does not require frequent pruning, but you can prune it to encourage bushier growth and more blossoms. After the plant finishes blooming, you can remove the spent flowers and cut back any excessive growth. You can also cut back the plant by about one-third to half its size in the fall, just before the winter season.
Propagation of Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. besseyi
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. besseyi, commonly known as Bessey's locoweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to western North America. It is a member of the Fabaceae family and has showy purple flowers.
Propagation Methods
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. besseyi can be propagated through seed or vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of the plant can be collected once they are ripe and sown immediately. It is essential to scarify the seed coat to break dormancy by nicking, filing, or soaking the seeds in hot water for several hours before sowing. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist, and the seedlings should emerge within two to three weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative means of propagation involve cuttings or division of the plant.
- Cuttings: Take cuttings of the plant in the spring or early summer before the flowering season. Cut several 10 cm long stem sections with at least two leaves and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-drained potting mix. Water the cuttings regularly and provide proper light and temperature conditions to promote root growth.
- Division: Mature plants of Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. besseyi can be divided when they become too large or overcrowded. Carefully dig up the plant before the growing season and separate the root ball into smaller plants. Make sure each plant has enough healthy roots and foliage. Replant the divided plants in a well-drained potting mix or directly in the ground.
Introduction
Oxytropis besseyi (Rydb.) Blank. var. besseyi is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It is commonly known as Bessey's locoweed due to its toxicity to livestock. The plant has a high risk of being infected by various diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Oxytropis besseyi is White Mould (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), which causes the plant to wilt and results in lower yield. Another common disease is Root Rot (Phytophthora spp.), which can be triggered by overwatering, leading to yellowing and wilting leaves.
Disease Management
Prevention is the most effective way to manage any disease that may infect Oxytropis besseyi. Remove infected plants as soon as possible and avoid planting in overly wet or poorly drained soils. Crop rotation is also recommended to reduce soil-borne diseases. Additionally, using disease-resistant cultivars and ensuring proper airflow can aid in prevention.
Common Pests
The most common pest that affects Oxytropis besseyi is the Aphid, which feeds on plant sap and causes curling and yellowing of leaves. Another common pest is the Leafhopper, which causes stippling and discoloured patches.
Pest Management
Several management strategies can be employed to control pests that might affect Oxytropis besseyi. One of them is the use of biological control, which involves releasing natural predators to control pests. Another control method is the use of insecticides and pesticides that are safe for the plants. However, the use of chemical control methods should be the last resort as it can also harm beneficial insects. Additionally, maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation, including cleaning up plant debris, can aid in pest control.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management are crucial in ensuring healthy and productive Oxytropis besseyi plants. It is essential to understand the common pests and diseases that affect the plant and employ effective management strategies to control them. By employing preventive measures, growers can reduce the risk of disease and pest attacks, resulting in healthier plants and higher yields.
