Stylosanthes erecta Beauv.
Stylosanthes erecta Beauv. is a leguminous plant species that is native to South America. It is commonly known as pencil flower, lucerne grass, Townsville lucerne, Townsville stylo, and veranera.
General Appearance
The plant grows as an upright shrub with a height of up to 1 meter. Its stems are green and hairy and its leaves are lance-shaped, about 1.5 to 6 cm long. The plant produces small clusters of flowers that are red, pink, purple, or white. The flowers are about 1 cm long and have a distinct pencil-like shape, hence the common name pencil flower.
Uses
Stylosanthes erecta Beauv. is a popular forage plant due to its nutritional value, high biomass yield, and ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. It is also used for reforestation, erosion control, and as a cover crop. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties. Its roots are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
The plant is also cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It can be grown as an accent plant in gardens, parks, and along roadsides.
Light Requirements
The plant, Stylosanthes erecta Beauv., requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It is a plant that thrives in bright light or direct sunlight, but it can grow with a limited amount of light, so long as it has at least 6 hours of sunlight or bright light every day. Therefore, it would be best to cultivate it in an area where it can receive ample sunshine either indoors or outdoors.
Temperature Requirements
Stylosanthes erecta Beauv., a tropical plant, is best suited to a warm, humid environment, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. This plant also grows well in temperatures as low as 18°C. Temperatures below 10°C are not favorable to the growth of this plant, as it can lead to the death of the plant. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in a location with a suitable temperature range.
Soil Requirements
The plant Stylosanthes erecta Beauv. can grow in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clayey soil. However, for optimal growth, it is best to plant the Stylosanthes erecta in well-draining, fertile soil. The soil's pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.5, which can be determined through a soil test. It is also essential to ensure adequate soil moisture, but care should be taken not to overwater the plant, as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Cultivation methods
Stylosanthes erecta Beauv. is a perennial legume that can grow up to 1 meter in height and has a spreading habit. It is suited for tropical areas with altitude ranging from sea level up to 1200 meters above sea level. The plant requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The seed rate is 2-3 kg per hectare, and the planting should be done during the rainy season when the soils are moist.
Watering needs
Stylosanthes erecta Beauv. requires adequate and regular watering for optimal growth and development. During the establishment period, the plants need to be watered frequently, especially during periods of extended drought. Once the plants are well established, they can withstand some moisture stress. However, if the soil is too dry, it can reduce the quality and quantity of the forage.
Fertilization
Stylosanthes erecta Beauv. requires nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for optimal growth and development. It is recommended to apply 50-60 kg/ha of nitrogen, 40-50 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 40-50 kg/ha of potassium at planting. For maintenance, apply 30-40 kg/ha of nitrogen, 20-30 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 20-30 kg/ha of potassium every six months. It is also important to maintain a proper balance between these nutrients for optimal plant growth and production.
Pruning
Pruning Stylosanthes erecta Beauv. is not necessary as the plant has a self-pruning habit. However, to prevent overgrazing and to maintain the quality of the forage, it is recommended to graze the plant to a height of 10-15 cm. Grazing this legume to ground level can result in the death of the plant.
Propagation of Stylosanthes erecta Beauv.
Stylosanthes erecta Beauv., commonly known as pencilflower or stylone, is a tropical plant that belongs to the legume family. It is grown primarily for forage, but it also has ornamental value. Propagation of this plant can be done through a variety of methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seeds are the most common method used for propagating stylosanthes erecta. The seeds should be collected from mature plants and stored in a cool and dry place until planting. They can be planted directly into the soil or seedlings can be raised and then transplanted into the field.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings can also be used to propagate stylosanthes erecta. This method involves taking stem cuttings from mature plants and planting them directly into the soil. The cuttings should be at least 10-15cm in length and should be planted in a well-drained and fertile soil.
Division propagation
Division is another method used for propagating stylosanthes erecta. This method involves dividing a mature plant into smaller sections and then planting them individually. This method should be done during the growing season and is best done when the plant is at its most vigorous.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is a less common method used for propagation of stylosanthes erecta. This method involves grafting a scion from a mature plant onto a rootstock of a related species. This method is more complicated and requires more skill than other methods and is not commonly used.
Overall, stylosanthes erecta is a plant that can be propagated through a variety of methods. The choice of method will depend on the resources and expertise available. However, seed propagation is the easiest and most common method used for propagating this plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Stylosanthes erecta Beauv.
Stylosanthes erecta Beauv. is commonly known as "amendoim bravo" or "pencil flower" and is a perennial legume used for forage and soil conservation. The plant is known for its nitrogen-fixing ability and tolerance to acidic and low fertility soils. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can reduce its yield and overall health.
Common Diseases
Bacterial wilt, caused by the bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum, is a serious disease that affects Stylosanthes erecta Beauv. The bacteria invade the plant through the roots and prevent the movement of water to the shoot, causing wilting and eventual death. This disease can be prevented by using bacterial wilt-resistant varieties and avoiding planting in infected soils.
Fungal diseases like root rot, powdery mildew, and anthracnose can also affect the plant. These diseases are usually caused by environmental factors like high humidity and poor soil drainage. Proper irrigation and good soil management practices can help prevent these diseases.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Stylosanthes erecta Beauv. are nematodes, aphids, and leaf miners. Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that feed on the plant's roots, causing stunted growth and low yield. Crop rotation, soil solarization, and planting nematode-resistant cultivars can help control nematodes.
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and distortion of the leaves. They also secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and can lead to fungal growth. Aphids can be controlled using insecticides or through the use of natural predators like ladybugs.
Leaf miners are the larvae of insects that tunnel through the leaves, causing them to curl and become distorted. These pests can be controlled using insecticides or by removing and destroying infected leaves.
Pest and Disease Management
To effectively manage pests and diseases in Stylosanthes erecta Beauv., it is important to use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that combine different control methods. This includes cultural practices such as crop rotation, good soil management, and the use of disease-resistant cultivars.
Chemical control measures like insecticides and fungicides should be used sparingly and only when necessary. It is important to select the appropriate pesticide and follow the label instructions carefully to avoid negative impacts on the environment and non-target organisms.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of pests and diseases is also essential. Early detection makes it easier to manage the problem before it spreads and causes significant damage. By implementing a comprehensive pest and disease management plan, farmers can effectively protect Stylosanthes erecta Beauv. and ensure maximum yield and profitability.
