Overview of Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers.
Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers. belongs to the family Apiaceae and is a biennial herbaceous plant commonly known as wild parsnip or cow parsnip. It is a close relative of both celery and parsley. This plant is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to North America, where it is now a widespread invasive species.
Appearance of Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers.
Wild parsnip can grow up to five feet tall. It has a thick, furrowed stem that is hollow and grooved. The leaves are pinnately compound and can grow up to 18 inches in length. The root is long and tapered and can grow up to a foot in length. The plant produces a yellowish-green umbrella-shaped flower head that can grow up to six inches in diameter.
Uses of Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers.
The roots and leaves of wild parsnip have been used for various medicinal purposes throughout history. The plant contains high levels of vitamin C and other nutrients. The essential oil extracted from the seeds has been used to treat digestive problems and menstrual cramps. However, the plant can be toxic when ingested, and contact with the sap of the plant can cause severe skin irritation and blistering.
Wild parsnip is also cultivated as a food crop. The root can be roasted, boiled, or mashed and is often used as a substitute for carrots or turnips. The leaves can be used in soups or salads, and the seeds can be used as a spice. However, caution should be taken when harvesting wild parsnip, as the toxic sap can cause harm.
Light Requirements
Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers. prefers full sunlight to grow. It can tolerate partial shade, but the yield may reduce. The plant needs a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day to grow well.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers moderate temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 15°C to 20°C. However, it can also tolerate temperatures as low as 0°C and as high as 35°C. Lower temperatures may slow down the growth, while high temperatures may induce bolting.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers. grows best in sandy loam, sandy clay loam, and clay loam soils. The plant prefers loose soil to help the roots penetrate deep. The soil should have a good water holding capacity to provide adequate moisture to the plant, but it should not be too wet, as it may cause root rot.
Cultivation of Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers.
Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers. is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best time to plant is in the early spring, as long as the soil is workable and free from frost. Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and add compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility.
Sow the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge, then thin them to 4 to 6 inches apart. Keep the area around the plants free from weeds to prevent competition for water and nutrients.
Watering Needs of Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers.
Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers. requires consistent moisture to grow well. Water deeply once a week if there has been no rainfall. In hot and dry weather, the plants may need to be watered more frequently.
Be careful not to let the soil dry out completely, as this can cause the roots to become tough and woody, reducing the quality of the root crop.
Fertilization of Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers.
Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers. benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and a good yield. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, once a month during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of root growth.
If you prefer to use organic fertilizers, aged manure or compost can be applied in the same manner as synthetic fertilizers.
Pruning of Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers.
Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers. does not require pruning in the traditional sense, but dead or damaged leaves or stems can be removed with a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears. Removing spent flowers as they appear can also help to divert energy to root growth instead of seed production.
Harvesting the roots when they reach the desired size is also a type of pruning that promotes new root growth and ensures a continual harvest throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers.
Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers., commonly known as wild parsnip or cow parsnip, can be propagated through various methods. These include seed propagation, root division, and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common way of propagating Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers. It is best to sow the seeds in spring or fall, directly in the soil where the plant is intended to grow. The seeds should be sown about 1 cm deep and spaced at least 15 cm apart. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, and the young seedlings should be thinned out to prevent overcrowding.
Root Division
Root division is another method of propagating Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers. This method involves digging up an established plant and dividing its roots into smaller sections. The sections should have at least one growth bud and a portion of the root system. The divided sections can then be replanted in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is possible with Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers., but it is not as common. To propagate the plant through stem cuttings, select a healthy stem and take a cutting that is approximately 10-15 cm long. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top, and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade until the plant has rooted and established itself.
Disease and Pest Management for Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers.
Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers., commonly known as wild parsnip, is a biennial plant that is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests. Identifying and managing these issues as early as possible is important to ensure healthy plant growth and an abundant harvest. Here is some information on common diseases and pests that affect wild parsnip and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Wild parsnip is susceptible to several fungal diseases, including leaf spot and powdery mildew. These diseases can result in yellowed or spotted leaves, stunted growth, and premature death of the plant. Fungal diseases can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant material and ensuring adequate air circulation and drainage around the plant. Avoid overhead irrigation as this can encourage fungal growth. If the infection is severe, it may be necessary to use a fungicide.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial diseases, such as bacterial leaf spot and soft rot, can also affect wild parsnip. These can cause wilting, yellowing, and blackened stems, as well as a foul odor. To manage bacterial diseases, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant material and practice good sanitation, such as washing tools and equipment between uses. If the infection is severe, a copper-based fungicide may be necessary.
Common Pests
Carrot Rust Fly: The carrot rust fly can affect all plants in the carrot family, including wild parsnip. The maggots of this fly burrow into the roots, causing stunted growth and discolored flesh. To manage this pest, use row covers to prevent the adult flies from laying eggs on the plants. You can also rotate crops and use yellow sticky traps to monitor the presence of adult flies.
Leaf Miners: Leaf miner larvae feed between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, causing visible trails and weakening the plant. To manage this pest, remove and destroy infested leaves promptly and use sticky traps to catch adult flies who may be laying eggs on the plant.
Wireworms: Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles and can cause severe damage to the roots, leading to stunted growth and death of the plant. To manage this pest, it is essential to practice crop rotation and use traps to capture adult beetles. Additionally, removing and tilling the soil in the fall can help reduce populations of wireworms.
In conclusion, proper management of diseases and pests is crucial to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest of wild parsnip. Early identification, removal of infected plant material, and prompt treatment with appropriate methods are key to keeping these issues at bay.
