Overview
Stylosanthes floridana, commonly known as Floridasky stylo, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the legume family - Fabaceae. The plant is native to North America.
Description
Floridasky stylo is a relatively small plant with a height of fewer than 50 cm, and it is an annual species. It has a branching stem with a single slender taproot, something that makes it suitable for growth in poor soils. The leaves are trifoliate - with three leaflets per leaf; the leaflets are broad, and the center leaflet is slightly elongated compared to the others. The flowers form in clusters at the branch ends and are colored in pink or purple. The plant produces a straight and narrow, cylindrical legume pod with seeds inside.
Common Names
The Floridasky stylo plant is known by several common names, such as pencil flower, Tifton stylo, and Tifton 85, after its development in Tifton, Georgia.
Uses
The Floridasky stylo plant is mainly used in pasture systems, as it is highly palatable and nutritious to livestock such as beef cattle, sheep, and goats. Its deep-feeding root system allows it to survive in arid environments, making it suitable for reclamation programs. Apart from being used for forage, the plant is also known to have nitrogen fixation capacities, which makes it a valuable crop in tropical regions. Additionally, the Floridasky stylo plant is used for erosion control thanks to its deep root system.
Light Requirements
The plant Stylosanthes floridana Blake requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It thrives in areas where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. In areas with intense sunlight, partial shade during the hottest time of the day may be necessary to prevent the plant from scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm to hot climates with temperatures ranging from 70 to 90°F. It cannot withstand frost or prolonged periods of cold temperatures. Therefore, the plant cannot grow in areas with freezing temperatures or where the temperature drops below 50°F for extended periods.
Soil Requirements
For optimal growth, the plant requires well-draining soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but the soil must be fertile and rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils or areas prone to flooding, so good drainage is critical. Moreover, the plant prefers a soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.
Cultivation Methods
Stylosanthes floridana Blake thrives best in well-draining soils with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.5. Soil preparation should involve removing all weeds and roots before planting. Direct seeding or transplanting are the two popular cultivation methods used for Stylosanthes floridana.
Watering Needs
The frequency of watering this plant is dependent on the prevailing weather conditions and soil moisture content. During the dry season, irrigate the plant once a week. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid water evaporation. When there is rainfall, reduce the watering frequency to avoid over-watering.
Fertilization
To ensure healthy growth, it is recommended that you use fertilizer to supplement the soil nutrients. Prior to planting, addphosphate fertilizers on the soil and mix well. You can also add compost manure to boost soil fertility. If significant growth has occurred, top-dress the soil with nitrogen fertilizer to sustain healthy growth.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential for rejuvenation and promoting growth of the Stylosanthes floridana plant. Pruning should be done every four weeks when new leaf growth is about to happen. Use a sharp tool to cut back the old plant parts and promote new growth. Cutting only the tips of the plant ensures that the lower parts of the plant receive adequate sunlight and air circulation.
Propagation of Stylosanthes floridana Blake
Stylosanthes floridana Blake is a warm-season legume that is commonly used for forage production. There are several methods by which S. floridana can be propagated:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating S. floridana. The seeds should be scarified to enable water absorption and to hasten germination. Scarification can be done by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or by soaking them in hot water for several hours. The seeds should then be sown in seed beds or in containers filled with a well-draining soil mix. S. floridana seeds will germinate within 7 to 14 days.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of S. floridana can be done through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants that are at least 6 months old. The cuttings should be about 8 to 10 cm long with 2 to 3 nodes. The lowermost leaves should be removed and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting them in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and out of direct sunlight until they develop roots.
Division propagation
S. floridana can also be propagated through division. This method is suitable for mature plants that have formed clumps. The clumps can be divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the roots. The divided sections should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they establish.
Regardless of the method used, S. floridana should be planted in a well-draining soil in an area that receives full sunlight. The plants should be watered regularly and fertilized as required. Proper care will ensure that the propagating plant grows strong and healthy.
Disease and Pest Management for Stylosanthes floridana Blake
Stylosanthes floridana Blake is a tropical legume that is known for its high nutritional value and ability to improve soil fertility. While it is generally a hardy plant, it can be susceptible to a few diseases and pests that can reduce yields and lower plant quality. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Stylosanthes floridana Blake and some tips for managing them.
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Stylosanthes floridana Blake can be affected by a range of fungal diseases, including powdery mildew, rust, and root rot. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery growth on the leaves, while rust is characterized by yellow-orange spots on the leaves. Root rot can be harder to detect, but symptoms include wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage fungal diseases, avoid planting in areas with poor drainage, maintain good airflow around plants, and remove infected plant material. Fungicides can also be used in severe cases.
Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases, such as crown and stem rot, can also affect Stylosanthes floridana Blake. These diseases are often characterized by a soft, mushy decay of the stem and can quickly spread through a crop. To prevent bacterial disease, avoid planting in areas with high soil moisture and practice crop rotation with non-legume crops to reduce soil-borne bacteria.
Pests
Nematodes: Nematodes are small, worm-like creatures that live in the soil and can attack the roots of Stylosanthes floridana Blake. Infected plants may show stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage nematodes, plant resistant varieties and rotate crops with non-legume plants to reduce nematode populations in the soil.
Aphids: Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause significant damage to crops. Infected plants may have distorted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage aphids, release natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, or use insecticidal soaps or oils to control populations.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can feed on the leaves of Stylosanthes floridana Blake, causing significant damage. Infected plants may have ragged-looking leaves and may stop growing. To manage caterpillars, release natural predators such as parasitic wasps or use bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad insecticides.
By following good cultural practices and promptly identifying and managing diseases and pests, growers can help ensure healthy yields of high-quality Stylosanthes floridana Blake.
