Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taubert
Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taubert, also known as the pencilflower, is a leguminous plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to Brazil but is now distributed widely across tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and Latin America.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including pencilflower, fine-stemmed stylo, Hamata stylo, and kallar grass. In Africa, it is known as the hamata stylo and is commonly cultivated as a fodder crop.
Uses
Stylosanthes hamata is primarily used as a perennial forage for livestock and soil conservation in tropical regions. The plant provides high-quality forage with high protein content that is essential for animal growth and development.
The plant's deep root system enhances soil fertility and structure, making it possible to sustain crop production in degraded and marginal lands. It is also used for erosion control and nitrogen fixation in agroforestry systems. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties, and its extracts are used to treat various illnesses, including malaria, dysentery, and fever.
General Appearance
The plant grows up to 1.5 meters tall with a slender stem that is often purplish-brown in color. Its leaves are trifoliate, with a dark green color, and are 1-2 cm wide and 2-3 cm long. The plant's flowers are reddish-pink and pea-shaped and are arranged in clusters on elongated spikes that are 10-20 cm long. It produces small seeds that are dispersed by gravity and ants.
Overall, Stylosanthes hamata is a versatile plant species that has several economic and environmental benefits. Its adaptability to unfavorable soil and climatic conditions makes it a suitable option for land rehabilitation and livestock feed.
Light Requirements
Stylosanthes hamata is a light-loving plant. It requires full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant can grow well in areas receiving direct sunlight for 6-8 hours a day. Therefore, it is recommended to grow Stylosanthes hamata in an open area with little or no shade. Indoor cultivation requires artificial light that simulates natural sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm environments. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. However, it cannot grow in cold environments and cannot withstand frost. Therefore, it is recommended to grow Stylosanthes hamata in areas that experience warm temperatures all year round. During the cold season, the plant can be grown in a greenhouse, where the temperature can be regulated to suit its growth requirements.
Soil Requirements
Stylosanthes hamata can grow in a wide range of soils. However, it thrives well in well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate soils that are low in fertility, but it performs best in soils that are rich in organic matter. Therefore, it is recommended to cultivate the plant in soils that have been enriched with organic manure. The ideal soil texture for Stylosanthes hamata is sandy loam or loam. On the other hand, soils that are heavy, sticky, or waterlogged should be avoided.
Cultivation Methods
Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taubert is a tropical legume that grows best in warm, humid conditions. It can be grown in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. If propagated through cuttings, it is best to take them from mature plants with strong, healthy stems. The plant requires full sunlight to grow properly, so it should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Watering Needs
Stylosanthes hamata requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, it is important not to overwater the plant since it is prone to root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil conditions. In hot, dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering, while in cooler, wetter weather, it may require less frequent watering. It is best to water the plant in the morning before the sun is too hot to prevent water from evaporating too quickly and to avoid the risk of fungal diseases that can develop from prolonged moisture on leaves or in the soil.
Fertilization
Stylosanthes hamata is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it can obtain nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that is usable by the plant. This ability reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizer. However, it still requires a balanced fertilizer to provide other essential nutrients, such as potassium and phosphorus, which can be lacking in the soil. The fertilizer should be applied following the instructions provided by the manufacturer or agricultural consultant. It is generally recommended to apply the fertilizer during the growing season and to avoid applying it during periods when the plant is not growing actively.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically necessary for Stylosanthes hamata. However, if the plant becomes too bushy or leggy, it can be pruned to promote more compact growth and stimulate new growth. The best time to prune is after the plant has finished flowering. To prune, simply cut back the stems to a desired length using sharp pruning shears. It is important to sanitize the pruning shears before and after pruning to avoid the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Stylosanthes hamata
Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taubert, also known as pencil flower, is a leguminous plant that can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagating Stylosanthes hamata from seeds is relatively easy. Seeds should be collected from mature plants and sowed during the rainy season. It is recommended to scarify the seeds (mechanically break the seed coat) and soak them in water before sowing to enhance germination. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and a spacing of 20 cm between rows. Germination typically occurs within 7-10 days after sowing, and the seedlings can be transplanted after they have developed 2-3 leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation method for Stylosanthes hamata is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the rainy season. The cuttings should be 15-20 cm in length and have at least 2-3 nodes. The cuttings are then treated with growth hormones to enhance rooting potential. The cuttings can be planted in polybags filled with soil and sand and should be watered regularly. After 3-4 weeks, the cuttings will have developed sufficient roots and can be transplanted to the field.
Divergent Stolon Propagation
Stylosanthes hamata can also be propagated through divergent stolons. These stolons are composed of horizontal stems that develop from the main stem and run along the soil surface. The stolons should be cut when they are about 10 cm in length and have at least one node. The cuttings should be planted in polybags filled with soil and sand and should be watered regularly. After 2-3 weeks, the cuttings will have developed sufficient roots and can be transplanted to the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taubert
Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taubert is a leguminous plant that is vital for pasture improvement, soil conservation, and animal production. The plant is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, but it can be affected by some issues that can impact growth and yield.
Common Diseases
One major disease that commonly affects Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taubert is root rot, which is caused by fungi such as Fusarium spp. and Rhizoctonia solani. Root rot can cause stunted growth, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, farmers should ensure proper drainage of the soil and avoid overwatering. The use of fungicides can also help control the disease.
Another disease that affects the plant is anthracnose, which is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It causes dark brown to black necrotic spots on leaves, stem, and pods. Regular plant inspections, cultural practices like sanitation and crop rotation. Use of resistant varieties and chemical treatment like foliar application of benomyl, topogam, and thiophenate-methyl has proven to be effective in managing anthracnose.
Common Pests
Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taubert is also prone to pest infestations, with the most common being the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata. The larvae of this moth bore holes in the plant's pods, leading to loss of yield. To manage legume pod borers, farmers can use resistant cultivars, practice minimum tillage, and use biological control measures such as the release of parasitoids like Trathala flavoorbitalis and Bracon spp. Chemical measures include foliar applications of acephate, methomyl, and thiodicarb.
The alfalfa caterpillar, Colias lesbia, can also be a pest of Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taubert. Its larvae feed on the leaves, leading to the defoliation of the plant. To manage this pest, farmers should use biological means such as pheromone traps, and chemical measures like foliar application of spinosad and methoxyfenozide.
Overall, proper management practices such as regular field monitoring, timely planting, and good crop hygiene, coupled with integrated pest and disease control measures, can help protect Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taubert from diseases and pests, optimize yields, and ensure the plant's long-term health.
