Overview
Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. var. crispa (Benth.) Deane, commonly known as shiso, is a herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. It is widely cultivated and consumed in Asia, particularly in Japan, Korea, and China.Appearance
The shiso plant has a bushy habit with purple or green leaves, and a square stem that grows up to a meter tall. Its leaves are deeply fringed and serrated, and the plant bears small, purple-white flowers that bloom in late summer or early fall.Uses
Shiso has been used for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. Its leaves are used in various dishes, such as sushi, stir-fries, and salads. The plant is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and its extract has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. In traditional medicine, shiso has been used in the treatment of various ailments, such as asthma, nausea, and fever. It has also been used as a natural remedy for allergies, coughs, and colds. Shiso is also commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage, and is easy to grow in a range of soil types and weather conditions.Conclusion
Overall, Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. var. crispa (Benth.) Deane, or shiso, is a versatile plant that offers a range of uses and benefits. Its popularity in Asia has spread to other parts of the world, and it is increasingly being recognized for its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental value.Light Requirements
The Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. var. crispa (Benth.) Deane plant thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. It requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day to grow and produce abundant foliage. Insufficient sunlight can cause the plant to develop weak stems, elongated internodes and reduce overall growth rate.
Temperature Requirements
The Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. var. crispa (Benth.) Deane is a warm-season annual and requires warm temperatures to grow. It grows best at temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can cause the plant to turn yellow and stunt growth. However, high temperatures that exceed 35°C (95°F) can cause heat stress in the plant and reduce yields.
Soil Requirements
The Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. var. crispa (Benth.) Deane prefers well-drained fertile soil with sufficient organic matter. The soil should have a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant requires regular irrigation as it is not drought-tolerant. It is optimal to maintain soil moisture levels between 50% and 70% of field capacity. Overwatering or waterlogged soil can cause root rot resulting in plant death. In addition, regular fertilization is necessary to promote healthy growth and yields.
Cultivation of Perilla frutescens
Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. var. crispa (Benth.) Deane, also known as shiso, is an annual herbaceous plant that is native to Asia. It is grown for its attractive foliage, which can be green or purple, and is used in salads, sushi, and other dishes.
The plant prefers to grow in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Perilla is tolerant of a range of light conditions, but it grows best in full sun or partial shade.
Watering needs
Perilla requires regular watering. The plant prefers to be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. During periods of drought, the plant may wilt and drop leaves. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently in hot, dry weather.
Fertilization
Perilla is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every four to six weeks or use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. In addition, supplement with a foliar spray of micronutrients.
Pruning
Pruning perilla is important for maintaining a compact and bushy plant. Pinch back the tips of the stems regularly throughout the growing season to promote branching. Removing the flowers as they appear may also help keep the plant more compact. If the plant becomes leggy or straggly, cut it back by half to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. var. crispa (Benth.) Deane
Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. var. crispa (Benth.) Deane is commonly propagated through various methods which have been described below:
Seed Propagation
Perilla frutescens can be propagated through seeds which can be sown directly in the soil or in seed trays. Seeds should be sown in well-drained soil in the spring season and covered lightly with soil. The ideal temperature for seed germination is between 20-25°C. The seedlings can be transplanted to the desired location after 4-6 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Perilla frutescens can be propagated through cuttings which involves taking stem cuttings of about 10-15cm in length from a mature plant. The cuttings should be taken in the early summer or late spring and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and the humidity high to facilitate growth. Once roots establish, the cuttings can be transplanted to the desired location.
Division Propagation
Perilla frutescens can also be propagated through division which involves dividing a mature plant into several smaller parts. The plant should be lifted out of the soil and the root system inspected. Carefully divide the root system by cutting through the underground stems with a knife or spade and plant the smaller portions in well-draining soil. Water regularly and transplant to the desired location after a few weeks
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, it is important to keep the soil moist and to avoid overwatering. Additionally, regular fertilization and pruning is recommended to maintain healthy growth and appearance of the plant.
Disease Management
Perilla frutescens var. crispa is vulnerable to various diseases, and prompt preventive measures are necessary to avoid damage to the crop. Below are some of the common diseases and their management measures:
1. Downy Mildew
Downy Mildew is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and curling of leaves and stunts the growth of the plant. To manage this, ensure proper crop spacing and maintain dry leaves. Avoid overhead watering and maintain adequate soil drainage. Use recommended fungicides at the early stages of infection.
2. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as black or brown spots on leaves and can cause leaf drop. To manage this, remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Practice crop rotation and plow under crop debris to prevent the disease from spreading. Use recommended fungicides at the early stages of infection.
Pest Management
Perilla frutescens var. crispa can be attacked by various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Below are some of the common pests and their management measures:
1. Aphids
Aphids are tiny green insects that suck sap from the plant and cause distorted and stunted growth. To manage this pest, remove affected leaves and use a strong jet of water to knock the insects off the plant. Use recommended insecticides at the early stage of the infestation.
2. Cutworms
Cutworms are larvae that cut through plant stems and cause extensive damage. To manage this pest, maintain proper soil tillage and remove weeds that might act as hiding places for the larvae. Place collars around seedlings to prevent cutworms from reaching the stem. Use recommended insecticides at the early stage of the infestation.
