Overview
Sonchus arvensis L. ssp. arvensis, commonly known as the field sow thistle, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa but has spread to other parts of the world as a weed.
Appearance
The plant has an upright growth habit, reaching a height of up to 120 cm. It has a deep taproot and smooth stems that are glabrous or with sparse appressed hairs. The leaves are alternate and have a lanceolate shape, deeply lobed, and toothed margins. The upper surface of the leaves is green, while the lower surface is bluish-green. The flower heads are bright yellow and have a diameter of about 3 cm. They are arranged in clusters at the stem tips and bloom from June to October.
Common Names
The plant is known by various common names, including field sow thistle, perennial sow thistle, field milk thistle, corn sow thistle, and dindle.
Uses
Although considered a weed, the field sow thistle has several medicinal uses. Historically, it was used as a diuretic and laxative and to treat liver and gall bladder diseases. The plant is rich in apigenin, a flavonoid that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Additionally, the leaves and young shoots can be consumed raw or cooked and have a slightly bitter taste that is similar to chicory. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Light Requirements
Sonchus arvensis L. ssp. arvensis grows best in full sunlight or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but growth will be limited.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers temperatures that range from 20-27°C during the day and 10-18°C during the night. It can tolerate cooler temperatures, but growth will slow down. Freezing temperatures and frost can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Sonchus arvensis L. ssp. arvensis prefers fertile, well-drained soils. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but grows best in loamy soil. It can also tolerate sandy and clay soils, but growth may be slower.
The plant can grow in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. It does not tolerate highly acidic or alkaline soils.
Cultivation
Sonchus arvensis L. ssp. arvensis can grow in a wide range of soil types and prefers a sunny location. It can be propagated via seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, especially during dry weather. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to waterlogging and promote root rot.
Fertilization
Adding a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and maximize the yield of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not usually required for Sonchus arvensis L. ssp. arvensis. However, it is recommended to remove any dead or damaged leaves as they can harbor pests and diseases. Additionally, harvesting the plant regularly can help promote a bushier growth and prevent it from becoming leggy.
Propagation of Sonchus arvensis L. ssp. arvensis
Sonchus arvensis L. ssp. arvensis can propagate vegetatively or by seeds. The plant's propagation methods are:
Propagation by seeds
Sonchus arvensis L. ssp. arvensis produces numerous seeds that can be used for propagation. The seeds are oval, small, and light brown in color, and they are dispersed by the wind. To propagate the plant from seed, collect the seeds in the fall when they are mature and sow them in the spring. The seeds need to be scarified or stratified before sowing to increase germination. Scarification can be done by rubbing the seeds on a piece of sandpaper, while stratification can be achieved by placing the seeds in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for two to three weeks before planting.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Sonchus arvensis L. ssp. arvensis can be propagated by stem cuttings. Take a stem cutting that is 6-8 inches long and has several leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix or soil. Keep the soil moist and in a sunny location until the cutting roots and new growth appears. The newly propagated plant can be transplanted into the garden once it is established.
Propagation by root cuttings
Sonchus arvensis L. ssp. arvensis can also be propagated by root cuttings. Cut pieces of root that are approximately 1 inch long and plant them in a well-draining potting mix or soil. Keep the soil moist and in a sunny location until new growth appears. The newly propagated plant can be transplanted into the garden once it is established.
Disease and Pest Management for Sonchus arvensis L. ssp. arvensis
Sonchus arvensis L. ssp. arvensis, commonly known as field sow thistle, is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a weed that can outcompete and reduce crop yields. In addition, it can also harbor diseases and pests that can further affect crop productivity. It is therefore important to manage these diseases and pests to minimize their impact on crops.
Common Diseases
The plant can be affected by various diseases such as rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes small yellow-orange pustules on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can weaken the plant and cause a reduction in yield. To manage rust, it is recommended to remove infected plant parts and to apply a fungicide if necessary.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the plant leaves and stems. It can reduce plant growth and yield. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove infected plant parts and to apply a fungicide if necessary.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small circular spots on the leaves. The spots can be brown or black and can merge to form larger lesions. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove infected plant parts and to apply a fungicide if necessary.
Common Pests
The plant can also be affected by various pests such as aphids, slugs, and cutworms.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can cause distorted growth and stunted development of the plant. They can also transmit diseases. To manage aphids, it is recommended to remove infected plant parts and to apply an insecticide if necessary.
Slugs: Slugs are mollusks that can feed on the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage to the plant. To manage slugs, it is recommended to remove any debris from around the plant that can serve as hiding places for the slugs. In addition, traps or baits can also be used to manage slug populations.
Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of certain moth species that can cut the stems of the plant at or near ground level, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, it is recommended to remove debris around the plant that can serve as hiding places for the larvae. In addition, insecticides can also be used to manage cutworm populations.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management is important to prevent the negative impact of these diseases and pests on Sonchus arvensis L. ssp. arvensis. By identifying and managing these pests and diseases early, farmers can ensure that their crops remain healthy and productive.
