Introduction
Rubus melanolasius Dieck is a deciduous, perennial shrub that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is commonly known as Black Selenge Raspberry or Dark-haired Selenge Raspberry. The plant has several uses and fascinating features that make it stand out in the plant world. Here's a detailed description of Rubus melanolasius Dieck.Origin and Distribution
Rubus melanolasius Dieck is native to the Selenge River basin in Mongolia and Russia. The plant thrives well in forest edges, meadows, and riverbanks in the Altai, Tuva, and Mongolia regions. In Russia, it can be found in the Altai and Tuva Republics, while in Mongolia, it is widespread in the northern and western regions. The plant is also found in parts of northern China.Description
Rubus melanolasius Dieck is a shrub that can grow up to 2.5 meters high, with a similar spread. It has stout, brownish-red stems with fine hairs, which become ash-grey over time. The leaves of the plant are alternate, compound, and digitate, with five leaflets that are ovate or rhomboid in shape, sharply toothed, and dark green on top. The underside of the leaves is lighter green and slightly hairy. The Black Selenge Raspberry has a compact, upright growth form, with arching branches that bear leaves and flowers. The flowers are produced in clusters of 2-3, and each flower has five white petals. The plant produces fruit in July and August, which are small, black, and slightly hairy. The berries are edible and have a sweet, slightly tart taste.Uses
Rubus melanolasius Dieck has several uses both for humans and animals. The berries of the plant are edible and are used to make jam, juice, and wine. The leaves of the plant can be dried and used to make tea, which is believed to have several health benefits. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and skin infections. The plant is also an excellent source of food for animals. The fruit is a great source of nutrition for birds and small mammals. The thorny stems and dense foliage of the plant also provide a good cover for small animals and birds.Conclusion
Rubus melanolasius Dieck is a fascinating plant with several uses and features. It is a great addition to any garden and can be used to provide food and shelter for wildlife. The plant is also a great source of food and medicine for humans. Overall, it is a wonderful plant that deserves more attention and appreciation.Light Requirements
The plant Rubus melanolasius Dieck typically requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth and development. The plant typically does not grow well under shade or partial sunlight conditions due to its high light requirement. Therefore, it is advisable to grow the plant in open areas where it can get ample sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Rubus melanolasius Dieck has specific temperature requirements for optimal growth and development. The plant typically grows well in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. However, it can tolerate temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. When the temperature exceeds the range, the plant may experience stunted growth, and the leaves may drop off. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain the temperature range within the specified limits for maximum yield.
Soil Requirements
The plant Rubus melanolasius Dieck requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH ranging between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. However, the soil should not be waterlogged as the plant is susceptible to root rot under such conditions. Addition of organic matter such as compost or manure can improve soil structure and enhance plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Rubus melanolasius Dieck is a hardy plant that requires specific growing conditions for optimum growth. The plant prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. The plant is best grown in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade. It is important to space the plants about 2 feet apart to ensure that the plants have enough space to grow.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, which is from spring to early fall. The plant prefers moist soil, so it is essential to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, which can lead to stunted growth or even death of the plant. On the other hand, underwatering can cause the plant to wilt, reducing yield and fruit quality.
Fertilization
Fertilization of the plant is crucial for optimum growth and fruit production. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the ratio of 10-10-10. The fertilizer should be applied during the early spring and again in mid-summer and should be spread around the base of the plant. It is essential not to over-fertilize the plant since it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced fruit quality.
Pruning
Pruning of the plant is essential for controlling plant growth and maximizing the plant's yield. The plant should be pruned during the fall when it has completed fruiting. Pruning should involve the removal of the previous season's canes, which are brown and woody. The remaining one-year-old canes should be tied to a support trellis and thinned to promote good air circulation, which helps to control disease and pests.
Propagation of Rubus melanolasius Dieck
Rubus melanolasius Dieck, commonly known as the black arctic raspberry, can be propagated through three methods: seed propagation, stem cutting propagation, and tissue culture propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Rubus melanolasius Dieck can be collected from the mature fruit during the fall season. The collected seeds can be dried and stored until spring. In the spring season, the seeds can be planted in a sterile growing medium in a greenhouse or indoors. The seedlings can be transplanted to the field when they reach a certain size and develop roots.
Stem Cutting Propagation
A stem cutting of Rubus melanolasius Dieck can be taken during the dormant stage. The stem cutting should be approximately 8-10 cm long and have a thickness of a pencil. After taking the stem cutting, any leaves or buds present on the lower half of the stem should be removed. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a moist growing medium, such as sand or peat. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment until roots develop, after which it can be planted in a field or pot.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture propagation involves the use of plant tissue grown in a laboratory. The tissue sample is sterilized and then grown in a nutrient-rich medium. The plant cells divide and grow to form baby plants which are transplanted to a growing medium and grown in a greenhouse. Tissue culture propagation is a faster method of propagation and allows for the production of large numbers of plants, but is more labor-intensive and expensive than seed or stem cutting propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Rubus melanolasius Dieck
Rubus melanolasius Dieck is prone to various diseases and pests that can damage its fruit yield and even kill the plant if not managed properly. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the best approach to control the pests and diseases without causing any harm to the environment. Here are some of the common diseases and pests affecting this plant along with their management techniques:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves and stems. It can cause the fruit to rot and fall off the plant. The best way to manage this disease is to prune the infected parts of the plant and destroy them. Avoid overhead irrigation and improve air circulation by spacing the plants adequately.
2. Phytophthora root rot: This is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes the roots to rot. The plant may wilt and die if the disease is severe. Improve soil drainage to prevent this disease from occurring. Avoid planting the plant in a poorly drained area.
3. Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves. It may also cause the leaves to drop prematurely. The best management technique for rust is to prune the infected parts of the plant and destroy them. Improve air circulation by spacing the plants adequately.
Pests
1. Spider mites: These pests feed on the sap of the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They are usually found on the undersides of the leaves. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
2. Raspberry fruitworm: This pest can cause the fruit to appear deformed and discolored. The best management technique for this pest is to use pheromone traps to monitor their activity. You can also handpick the affected fruit and destroy them.
3. Japanese beetle: This pest can feed on the leaves and fruit of the plant. They usually form groups on the plant, making it easy to notice them. You can handpick them and drop them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them.
Regular monitoring, proper sanitation, and timely application of management techniques can help keep the diseases and pests under control. Consult with a local garden expert for specific management techniques for your area.
