Overview
Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. is a hardy, perennial legume plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is an exotic species that is found in the tropics and sub-tropics. The plant is known for its ability to enhance soil fertility and improve forage production, making it a valuable plant in agroforestry and livestock farming.
Common Names
Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. is also referred to by various common names including pencil flower, pencil stylo, and pink pencil.
Appearance
The plant has an upright growth habit that can reach up to a height of 1 meter. It has slender stems that are green in color and covered in soft hairs. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet measuring around 15mm. The flowers are borne on long, slender spikes that can grow up to 10cm long. Each flowering head can produce up to 10-15 flowers that are pink or purple in color.
Uses
Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. is widely used in agroforestry and livestock farming systems. It is valued for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve soil fertility. The leaves and stems of the plant are highly nutritious and can be used as forage for livestock. The plant is also used in erosion control, as it has a deep root system that can help stabilize soil. In addition, it is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, and skin diseases.
Light Requirements
The plant Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. generally requires full sunlight to thrive. It is a warm-season plant and derives optimum growth and development under bright, sunny conditions. Shade or low-light conditions could lead to poor growth, weak stems, and low yield.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm regions with ideal temperature ranges of 25-35°C. These warm temperatures allow for optimal root and shoot growth, efficient nutrient uptake, and photosynthesis. Extreme temperatures above or below the ideal range may affect seedling emergence, growth, and development.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, sandy, loamy soils. It grows well in soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. Typically, Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, which could lead to root rot and stunted growth. The plant also requires adequate nutrient supply; therefore, soils must have enough organic matter and necessary nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Cultivation Methods
Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. can be propagated from either seeds or cuttings. To propagate from seeds, plant them directly in the soil at a depth of 1-2 cm. The best planting time is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. Seeds should be spaced about 30 cm apart in rows that are about 50-60 cm apart. For propagation from cuttings, select healthy stems from mature plants and cut them into 10-15 cm long sections. Plant the cuttings in a mixture of soil and sand and place them in a shaded area until they establish roots.
Watering Needs
Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. thrives in areas with a well-distributed rainfall of 600-1200 mm. In cases where rainfall is scarce or irregular, irrigation should be provided to maintain the required moisture levels. However, care should be taken to avoid waterlogging, which could lead to root rot. Newly planted seeds or cuttings require more frequent watering to encourage root growth. As the plants mature, watering frequency can be reduced, especially during the dry season.
Fertilization
Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. is a legume and has the capacity to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. However, additional fertilization is needed to improve growth and increase yields. A balanced fertilizer, such as NPK 20:10:10, should be applied at the beginning of the planting season. The fertilizer should be applied at a rate of 150-200 kg per hectare. During the growing season, additional applications of nitrogen and potassium may be necessary to maintain plant health.
Pruning
Pruning of Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. should be done regularly to promote bushiness and increase the production of foliage and seeds. The first pruning should be done when the plants reach a height of 15-20 cm. During subsequent prunings, about 50% of the plants should be cut back to a height of 5-10 cm. Regular pruning will prevent the plants from getting leggy and prevent seed formation, which can reduce yields. The pruned shoots can be used as animal feed or added to the soil as green manure.
Propagation of Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv.
Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. is commonly propagated by seeds, cuttings, and stem segments.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. can be sown directly on the soil. However, pre-treatment of seeds is recommended to break their hard coat and to enhance germination.
Pre-treatment can be done by soaking the seeds in hot water for 2-3 minutes and then leaving them to cool for 12-24 hours. Scarification of seeds can also be done by rubbing them with sandpaper or nicking the seed coat with a sharp blade. After pre-treatment, the seeds can be sown on well-drained soil and covered lightly with soil.
Cutting Propagation
Stylosanthes erecta P. Beauv. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Young shoots measuring around 10-15 cm in length can be taken from the parent plant and planted on moist soil.
It is recommended to apply rooting hormone to the cuttings to promote root growth. Cuttings should then be planted on well-drained soil, and care should be taken to maintain high humidity until the new plants are established.
Stem Segment Propagation
Propagation by stem segments may also be done in Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. This method involves taking stem segments from the parent plant that are around 3-10 cm long.
The segments should be cut to include nodes where leaves are attached as these are the sites where new roots and shoots will emerge. The stem segments can be planted on well-drained soil, and watering should be done with care to prevent waterlogging of the soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv
Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. is a leguminous forage plant commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The plant is used as a forage crop for livestock, as it is highly nutritious. However, like all plants, Stylosanthes erecta is prone to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Proper disease and pest management strategies are, therefore, crucial to ensure healthy growth and high yields of the plant.
Common diseases
The most common diseases of Stylosanthes erecta include fungal diseases caused by Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Sclerotium rolfsii. These diseases cause wilting, leaf necrosis, root rot, and stunted growth of the plant.
Disease management
Many of these fungal diseases can be controlled by crop rotation, use of disease-free seeds, and timely application of fungicides. Cultural practices such as proper plant spacing, adequate irrigation, and proper drainage can also help control fungal diseases.
Common pests
Stylosanthes erecta is susceptible to attack by several pests, including mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. These pests can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth of the plant.
Pest management
To control these pests, farmers can use biological control agents such as predators and parasitoids, application of insecticides or pesticides, and the use of sticky traps. In addition, farmers can promote natural predators by intercropping with plants that attract beneficial insects.
In conclusion, effective disease and pest management strategies are crucial for maintaining healthy growth and high yields of Stylosanthes erecta P.Beauv. Crop rotation, use of disease-free seeds, timely application of fungicides, and proper spacing and irrigation practices are essential for controlling fungal diseases. The use of biological control agents, insecticides or pesticides, and sticky traps can help control pest infestations.
