Stylosanthes Biflora (l.) B.s.p. Var. Hispidissima (michx.) Pollard & Ball - >>stylosanthes Biflora

Overview

Stylosanthes biflora (L.) B.S.P. var. hispidissima (Michx.) Pollard & Ball is a leguminous plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant has different common names and is found in various regions of the world. Stylosanthes biflora var. hispidissima is native to North America, whereas other species of the Stylosanthes genus are found in Africa, South America, and Asia. The plant has several uses, including grazing for livestock, as hay, and for soil improvement through nitrogen fixation.

Appearance

Stylosanthes biflora var. hispidissima is a herbaceous annual or biennial plant that grows up to 120 cm tall. The leaves are compound and consist of three leaflets, with the middle leaflet being larger than the other two. The leaflets are ovate or elliptic in shape and have a slightly rounded tip. The leaves have dense hairs on their undersides and along the margins. The flowers of Stylosanthes biflora var. hispidissima are arranged on stalks and are pink in color, with a yellow or white center. The plant produces a fruit that contains a single seed.

Uses

Stylosanthes biflora var. hispidissima has several uses as a forage crop. It is commonly used for grazing livestock, particularly in the southeastern United States. The plant is also used as hay for livestock feed. Stylosanthes biflora var. hispidissima has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which makes it an excellent cover crop for improving soil health. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Common Names

Stylosanthes biflora var. hispidissima has several common names, depending on the region. It is known as "Carpet Clover" or "Twinflower Sida" in the United States and "Junquillo" in South America.

Light Requirements

The Stylosanthes biflora (L.) B.S.P. var. hispidissima (Michx.) Pollard & Ball plant requires moderate to full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It cannot thrive under shady conditions, and the quality and quantity of the light must be sufficient for photosynthesis. The plant is tolerant to high levels of light, but excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause wilting and leaf scorching.

Temperature Requirements

The Stylosanthes biflora (L.) B.S.P. var. hispidissima (Michx.) Pollard & Ball plant grows well in moderate temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The plant is semi-tolerant to frost but cannot survive in extremely cold conditions below 5°C. It is also sensitive to heat stress above 35°C, which may cause the plant to stop growing and wilt.

Soil Requirements

The Stylosanthes biflora (L.) B.S.P. var. hispidissima (Michx.) Pollard & Ball plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.0-7.0. The soil should be fertile with adequate organic matter, and the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils. High soil fertility is essential for maximum root and shoot development. The plant can also grow in sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils as long as the soil texture is not compacted.

Cultivation methods:

Stylosanthes biflora (L.) B.S.P. var. hispidissima (Michx.) Pollard & Ball is a perennial legume that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in well-draining soils with good organic matter content and a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.

The plant should be sown during the rainy season, and the seeds should be planted at a depth of 0.5 to 1 cm. The recommended spacing between plants is about 30-60 cm. It is essential to maintain good moisture levels for successful establishment.

Watering needs:

The plant requires regular watering during the establishment phase, and after that, it can tolerate periods of drought. Irrigation should be done when the soil moisture drops to 50% of field capacity. Overwatering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot.

Fertilization:

Stylosanthes biflora (L.) B.S.P. var. hispidissima (Michx.) Pollard & Ball is a nitrogen-fixing legume and, therefore, requires little supplemental nitrogen fertilizer. However, it benefits from phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizers to promote growth and flowering. Apply the fertilizer at the beginning of the rainy season annually.

Pruning:

Pruning is essential to maintain the health and vigor of the plant. The plant should be pruned when it starts to flower, leaving about 15 cm of stem above the ground. This practice helps to encourage new growth and improves the quality of the forage. The plant should be pruned periodically to maintain an optimal growth height of around 50 cm.

Propagation of Stylosanthes biflora var. hispidissima

Stylosanthes biflora var. hispidissima, commonly known as "Coastal stylo," is a perennial legume that is widely used for forage production and soil conservation. There are two primary methods for propagating this plant: sexual and asexual reproduction.

Sexual Reproduction:

Sexual reproduction involves the use of seeds to propagate Coastal stylo. Seeds are produced at the end of the growing season and are dispersed by wind, water, or animals. They can also be collected manually and stored for future use. Here are the steps for planting Coastal stylo seeds:

1. Prepare a suitable seedbed by removing all weeds and debris and loosening the soil.
2. Plant the seeds using a seeding rate of 4-6 kg/ha.
3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and firm the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
4. Water the seeds immediately after planting and maintain soil moisture until germination occurs.
5. Seedlings should emerge within 7-21 days depending on soil temperature and moisture.

Asexual Reproduction:

Asexual propagation involves the use of vegetative materials such as stem cuttings or root division. This method is commonly used in areas where seeds are not readily available or where quicker establishment is desired. Here are the steps for propagating Coastal stylo through stem cuttings:

1. Select healthy plants that are free from diseases or pests for propagation.
2. Take stem cuttings that are 10-15 cm in length and have at least 2-3 nodes.
3. Strip the lower leaves from the stem and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone solution.
4. Plant the cutting in a rooting medium that is well-drained and moist.
5. Place the planted cutting in a shaded area and mist it regularly to maintain high humidity.
6. The cutting will develop roots within 2-4 weeks and can be transplanted into the field.

In conclusion, Coastal stylo can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. Seed propagation is the most common method, but asexual propagation can be used as a quick and efficient way to establish new plantings.

Disease and Pest Management for Stylosanthes biflora (L.) B.S.P. var. hispidissima (Michx.) Pollard & Ball

Stylosanthes biflora (L.) B.S.P. var. hispidissima (Michx.) Pollard & Ball is a valuable forage crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. However, it is vulnerable to different diseases and pests, which can cause significant yield losses. Therefore, disease and pest management should be an essential component of the crop production system to achieve high-quality yields.

Common diseases affecting Stylosanthes biflora

One of the most common diseases that attack Stylosanthes biflora is anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. It causes dark sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods, leading to defoliation and yield loss. Another significant disease is rust caused by Phakopsora cf. pachyrhizi, which results in yellow spots on the leaves and causes defoliation and reduced yields.

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum has also been reported to cause severe losses to the crop. The disease attacks the roots and vascular system, leading to wilting and death of the plant.

Common pests affecting Stylosanthes biflora

Stylosanthes biflora is also vulnerable to insect pests, such as leaf miners, aphids, and thrips that can cause significant damage to the plant. Leaf miners create tunnels that can affect the photosynthetic process of the plant. Aphids and thrips suck sap from the leaves and tender stems, leading to stunted growth, yellowing, and death of the plant in severe cases.

Pest and disease management strategies

One of the most effective strategies to manage diseases is the use of disease-resistant varieties and good cultural practices, such as field sanitation and crop rotation. Fungicide application can also provide effective control of the anthracnose and rust diseases.

Regarding insect pests, the use of insecticides and biological control methods, such as the use of beneficial insects, can help manage the pests effectively. Planting of trap crops, such as marigold, can lure aphids away from the main crop, thus reducing the population of aphids.

In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is crucial for the success of Stylosanthes biflora cultivation. Adopting integrated pest and disease management strategies can help reduce losses and ensure high-quality yields.