Overview of Pastinaca Sativa L.
Pastinaca sativa L., also known as the wild parsnip, is a plant species belonging to the family Apiaceae. It is native to Europe and Western Asia but has become naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America. The plant has a variety of common names, including turnip-rooted parsley, white-rooted parsley, and hollow root.
General Appearance
The plant grows up to 120 cm tall and has large, pinnate leaves that are dark green in color and arranged in a rosette pattern. The stem of Pastinaca sativa L. is green and hollow with ridges that are sparsely covered in fine hairs. The plant produces umbels of small yellow flowers that bloom from June to August. The roots are long and slender, often white and tapered, and can be up to 25 cm long.
Uses of Pastinaca Sativa L.
Several parts of the plant are used for food and medicinal purposes. The root of the wild parsnip is edible once it is cooked. It has a sweet, nutty flavor and is often used as a substitute for carrots or turnips. The leaves and seeds of Pastinaca sativa L. are also edible and can be used in salads or cooked dishes. Apart from its culinary uses, the plant has also been used for therapeutic purposes. The extract of the plant has been used as a diuretic, antispasmodic, and in the treatment of stomach ailments. Additionally, the essential oil of the plant has been used in perfumes and soaps.
However, it is important to note that the plant contains a toxic sap that can cause skin irritation, blistering, and discoloration. Ingesting wild parsnip in large quantities can also lead to severe health issues such as photosensitivity and phytophotodermatitis, especially when exposed to sunlight.
Overall, Pastinaca sativa L. is a versatile plant that has been used for different purposes over the years. Its roots, leaves, and seeds have culinary and medicinal uses, but it should be handled with caution due to its toxic sap.
Light requirements
Pastinaca sativa, also known as wild parsnip, requires full sun exposure to grow and develop to its full potential. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight to produce healthy foliage and roots. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth, smaller roots, and reduced yields.
Temperature requirements
Pastinaca sativa grows best in cool weather conditions. The plant prefers a temperature range of 60°F to 75°F and can tolerate light frost. However, it cannot tolerate extreme heat and humidity. High temperatures can cause the plant to bolt and trigger early flowering, which will impact root development and reduce yields.
Soil requirements
Pastinaca sativa grows best in well-drained, loose, and fertile soil. The optimal soil pH for growth is between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant requires consistent soil moisture to ensure proper root development, but excess water can cause the roots to rot. Adding organic matter to the soil before planting can improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.
Cultivation Methods
Pastinaca sativa L., or Parsnip, is a cool-season crop that requires a long growing season of about 120 to 150 days from seed to harvest. It grows well in loose, fertile soil that is deeply tilled to allow its long taproot to penetrate easily. It is best to sow seeds directly in the garden bed in early spring for a fall harvest.
Watering Needs
Parsnip requires consistent moisture to keep its soil cool and prevent its taproot from becoming woody and tough. It is best to water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Avoid overhead watering, which can promote the growth of fungal diseases and cause soil compaction.
Fertilization
Parsnip is a heavy feeder that requires ample nutrients to develop properly. It is best to amend the soil before planting with well-rotted compost or aged manure to boost soil fertility. Using a high-nitrogen fertilizer is also beneficial, especially during the vegetative growth stage. As the plant matures, switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote root development and mature fruit.
Pruning
Parsnip does not require regular pruning, but it is important to thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding and facilitate root development. Once plants reach six inches in height, thin them to three inches apart to prevent competition for resources. Remove any yellowed, damaged, or diseased leaves as they appear to promote plant health.
Propagation of Pastinaca sativa L.
Pastinaca sativa L., commonly known as parsnip, is a biennial root vegetable that belongs to the Apiaceae family. Propagation is the process of producing new plants either by sexual or asexual means.
Propagation by Seed
Parsnip is primarily propagated through seeds, which is the cheapest and most reliable method. The seeds should be sown directly into the soil in spring or fall after the last frost when the soil temperature is at least 50°F. The optimum time for sowing is when the soil is moist, and the air temperatures are between 60-65°F. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/2 to 3/4 inch and spaced 2-3 inches apart within rows that are 18-24 inches apart. After germination, the weaker seedlings should be thinned to allow for proper spacing.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings involves taking a portion of healthy plant tissue from the parent plant and cultivating it into a new plant. It is not a common method used for parsnip propagation due to its thick roots, which make it difficult to take cuttings. Additionally, parsnip produces taproots that exhaust the plant's energy reserves during the first year of growth before flowering and formation of seeds in the second year.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is a method of asexual propagation that involves splitting the parent plant into two or more sections to produce a new plant. It is also not a common method used for parsnips as the plant does not easily divide due to its thick taproots.
Propagation by Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is an advanced plant propagation technique that involves the growth of plant cells in an artificial medium under controlled environmental conditions. Currently, there are no known tissue culture propagation methods available to propagate parsnip plants.
In conclusion, the easiest and most effective propagation method for Pastinaca sativa L. is through seeds.
Disease and Pest Management for Pastinaca sativa L.
Pastinaca sativa L., commonly known as parsnip, is a root vegetable that is grown primarily for its edible taproot. This plant is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the crop if not managed properly. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Pastinaca sativa L. along with their management strategies:
Diseases:
1. Cavity spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Pythium ultimum and is characterized by small, sunken lesions on the taproot. The affected roots may also show discoloration and decay. To manage cavity spot, it is important to maintain proper soil drainage and avoid over-irrigation. Crop rotation and the use of disease-resistant cultivars can also help prevent cavity spot.
2. Leaf blight: Leaf blight is caused by the fungus Alternaria spp. and is characterized by brownish-black lesions on the leaves. The disease can progress to affect the stems and the taproot. Planting disease-free seeds, maintaining proper spacing between the plants, and avoiding overhead irrigation can help prevent leaf blight. Fungicides may be used to control severe infections.
3. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Erysiphe heraclei and is characterized by a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. The disease can reduce plant growth and yield. Regularly removing diseased plant parts, improving air circulation, and providing adequate nutrition can help prevent powdery mildew. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pests:
1. Carrot rust fly: The carrot rust fly (Psila rosae) is a major pest of Pastinaca sativa L. The larvae of these flies feed on the roots, causing deformation and discoloration. The adults are attracted to the scent of damaged plants and can be managed by covering the plants with a floating row cover or applying a sticky trap to attract and kill the flies.
2. Root-knot nematodes: Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are small, soil-dwelling roundworms that can cause galls on the roots of Pastinaca sativa L. Affected plants may show stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Crop rotation, the use of nematode-resistant cultivars, and soil solarization can help manage root-knot nematodes.
3. Parsnip webworm: The parsnip webworm (Depressaria pastinacella) is a moth whose larvae feed on the leaves and stems of Pastinaca sativa L. Infected plants may show wilting and defoliation. The larvae can be handpicked and destroyed, and the use of insecticides may also be effective in controlling the pest.
Implementing proper disease and pest management strategies can help ensure a healthy and productive crop of Pastinaca sativa L. It is important to monitor the plants regularly for any signs of disease or pest infestation and take prompt action to control the issue.
