Description:
Striga bilabiata (Thunb) Kuntze subsp. barteri (Engl.) Hepper is a parasitic plant species that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family and is commonly referred to as Witchweed or Krabikra. The plant is native to Africa and its subspecies of barteri is commonly found in West and Central Africa.
General Appearance:
The plant has a slender stem covered with tiny hairs, which can grow up to 60cm in height. The leaves are light green and small, measuring only a few centimeters in length and arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are yellow, with a long slender tube and two bilabiate lobes, forming a hood and lower lip. The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous tiny seeds.
Uses:
Despite being a parasitic plant, Striga bilabiata subsp. barteri has several medicinal properties. The plant is commonly used to treat constipation, fever, and other ailments in traditional African medicine. The roots and leaves of the plant contain several phytochemical compounds such as glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which are believed to be responsible for these medicinal properties.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant has also been found to have potential as a biopesticide. Studies have shown that the plant's extracts contain compounds that can inhibit the growth of several crop pests such as aphids, thrips, and maize weevils.
However, it is important to note that Striga bilabiata subsp. barteri is a serious threat to food security in sub-Saharan Africa. The plant is a parasite of cereal crops such as maize, sorghum, and millet, leading to significant yield losses and economic damage.
Light requirements
Striga bilabiata subsp. barteri typically thrives in areas with full sunlight or partial shade. In conditions with low light, the plant may become stunted and produce fewer and smaller flowers.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. An average temperature range of 20°C to 35°C is ideal for the growth of Striga bilabiata subsp. barteri. Temperatures below 15°C may result in slow growth or even death of the plant.
Soil requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with a sandy or loamy texture and a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Soil fertility is also an important growth requirement for Striga bilabiata subsp. barteri. It thrives in soils with a high organic matter content and a good supply of essential macro and micronutrients.
Cultivation of Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. barteri (Engl.) Hepper
Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. barteri (Engl.) Hepper is an herbaceous plant that grows best in a warm climate where temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C.
It thrives in well-draining soils, preferably sandy loam soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It is essential to ensure the soil is never waterlogged as it can lead to root rot.
The plant requires a lot of sunlight for optimal growth, and it is advisable to plant it in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering Needs of Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. barteri (Engl.) Hepper
The plant needs moderate watering, and it is advisable to wait until the soil is dry before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the leaves to yellow and eventually fall off.
It is best to water the plant in the early morning or evening to avoid excessive evaporation. The plant requires more water during the flowering period, and it is essential to ensure the soil is moist during this period.
Fertilization of Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. barteri (Engl.) Hepper
Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. barteri (Engl.) Hepper requires minimal fertilization as it can get its nutrients from the soil.
However, if the plant shows signs of nutrient deficiency, it is advisable to apply a balanced fertilizer once every three months during the growing season.
Over-fertilization can lead to the development of weak stems and leaves that are susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. barteri (Engl.) Hepper
The plant does not require pruning except when necessary to shape the plant or remove dead or damaged leaves and stems.
The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season, which is usually in late winter or early spring.
It is essential to use sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Propagation of Striga bilabiata subsp. barteri
Striga bilabiata subsp. barteri can be propagated by two primary methods: seeds and vegetative propagation.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Striga bilabiata subsp. barteri can be collected from mature plants and sown in well-draining soil. The seeds are small and should be sown at a shallow depth. Germination of the seeds requires a host plant, as Striga bilabiata subsp. barteri is a parasitic plant that requires a host to grow. The seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location once they have established a connection with their host plant.
Vegetative Propagation
Striga bilabiata subsp. barteri can also be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the growing season and rooted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment until they form their own roots and can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. barteri (Engl.) Hepper
Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. barteri (Engl.) Hepper is a parasitic plant that can cause significant damage to host plants. In addition to parasitism, the plant is also susceptible to various diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. barteri (Engl.) Hepper are fungal infections. Fusarium and Pythium species are among the most prevalent fungal pathogens that attack the roots, stems, and leaves of the plant. These diseases can lead to wilting, yellowing, and stunted plant growth. To manage these diseases, it is essential to practice good sanitation by removing infected plant parts and avoiding standing water around the plant. Additionally, the use of fungicides can help prevent and control fungal infections.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. barteri (Engl.) Hepper are aphids, mites, and leafhoppers. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking the sap and transmitting viral diseases. To manage these pests, it is essential to practice good sanitation by removing weeds and debris that may act as hosts to the pests. Additionally, the use of insecticidal soaps and oils can help control aphids and mites, while the use of broad-spectrum insecticides can help control leafhoppers.
Integrated Pest Management
An integrated pest management (IPM) approach can help manage both diseases and pests that affect Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. barteri (Engl.) Hepper. This approach involves various pest management strategies, including cultural, physical, and biological control methods. Culturally, practices such as crop rotation and intercropping can help reduce pest populations. Physically, the use of netting and row covers can help exclude pests from the plants. Biologically, the use of natural enemies such as predatory insects can help control pest populations. Overall, a combination of these strategies can help manage pests and diseases in a sustainable manner.
