Overview of Stylosanthes riparia Kearney
Stylosanthes riparia, also known as river stylo or tropical lucerne, is a legume plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This perennial plant is native to South America, mainly found in the Amazonian basin and cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Common Names
This plant has several common names, including river stylo, tropical lucerne, stylo, and stylophorum.
Appearance
Stylosanthes riparia Kearney has an upright growth habit and a height range of 0.2 to 1.5 meters. Its stem is thin and has a reddish color, while the leaves are trifoliate with oblong-ovate leaflets with a length of 1-5 cm and a width of 0.5-2.5 cm. Flowers are small and red to yellow-orange in color and appear in clusters at the tip of stems.
The roots of the river stylo plant are deep and can reach a depth of 2 meters with nodules where nitrogen fixation occurs. It is a fast-growing plant and can produce up to three harvests per year.
Uses of Stylosanthes riparia Kearney
Stylosanthes riparia is a valuable forage plant, and its protein-rich leaves and stems make it an excellent source of nutrition for livestock. It is known to have high nutritive value, and its inclusion in animal diets can lead to improved meat and milk production.
Besides its use as animal fodder, river stylo is often used in soil conservation and remediation. It can improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and also help reduce soil erosion.
Moreover, the plant has medicinal properties, and some traditional medicines incorporate Stylosanthes riparia in treating various ailments, such as fever and inflammation.
In conclusion, Stylosanthes riparia Kearney is a versatile plant that has several uses, including forage for livestock, soil conservation, and medicinal purposes.
Light Requirements
Stylosanthes riparia Kearney is a plant that requires full sunlight to grow well. It can tolerate partial shade, but its growth and development will be slower in such conditions. Therefore, it grows best in open areas where it can receive direct sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant, also known as river stylo, prefers warm temperatures between 20-35°C (68-95°F). It is sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate temperatures below 0°C (32°F). It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, where the temperature is consistently warm throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
Stylosanthes riparia Kearney grows well in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. It prefers soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. The plant can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but it needs good drainage to prevent waterlogging. It is important to note that it cannot tolerate waterlogged soils or heavy clay soils. Therefore, it is advisable to plant it in areas where the soil is well-drained and porous.
Cultivation
Stylosanthes riparia Kearney, commonly known as river stylo, is a tropical legume that is cultivated for fodder and soil improvement. It can be grown in a wide range of soils, including sandy loam, clay loam, and alluvial soils. The plant grows best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. It grows best in areas with a temperature range of 25-35 degrees Celsius.
The plant is propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be scarified and soaked in water for 24-hours before planting to enhance seedling emergence. The recommended seed rate is 10-15 kilograms per hectare. Stem cuttings are taken from mature plants and should be 20-25 centimeters long. They are then planted in rows at a spacing of 50 centimeters between rows and 20-25 centimeters within rows.
Watering Needs
Stylosanthes riparia Kearney requires moderate water supply. The plant is adapted to areas with an annual rainfall range of 800mm - 1500mm. However, it can tolerate drought conditions. Irrigation should be done when the soil is dry to a depth of 20-30 centimeters.
Fertilization
Stylosanthes riparia Kearney requires nitrogen fertilization to grow optimally. The recommended dose of nitrogen fertilizer is 25-50 kilograms per hectare. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are also necessary for plant growth. The recommended dose of phosphorus is 25-40 kilograms per hectare, while that of potassium is 25-50 kilograms per hectare. Organic manure can also be applied at a rate of 5-10 tonnes per hectare.
Pruning
Pruning of Stylosanthes riparia Kearney plant is essential to enhance branching, which improves the quality and quantity of fodder production. Pruning is done after the first three months of growth when the plant has attained a height of 10-15 centimeters. The top one-third of the plant should be removed, leaving two-thirds of the plant growth. Subsequent pruning is done every six weeks to maintain vegetative growth.
Propagation of Stylosanthes riparia Kearney
Stylosanthes riparia Kearney is commonly known as the river stylo. It is a perennial legume that can be propagated through various methods. Proper propagation techniques are essential in ensuring the successful establishment of the plant.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating the river stylo. The seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown directly into the field. It is important to ensure that the seeds are of good quality and disease-free. The ideal time for sowing the seeds is during the rainy season as this provides the necessary moisture for germination.
Cutting Propagation
The river stylo can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings are taken from healthy plants, usually during the early rainy season. The cutting should be about 20 cm long and have at least two nodes. After cutting, the lower leaves are removed, and the cutting is placed in a rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in a suitable growing medium until it develops roots.
In-Vitro Propagation
The river stylo can also be propagated through in-vitro techniques. This involves the use of tissue culture to produce disease-free and genetically identical plantlets. In-vitro propagation is relatively faster than other methods; however, it requires specialized skills and equipment.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another method of propagating the river stylo. It involves joining a scion from a desirable plant to a rootstock. The process requires expertise and is usually carried out by experienced growers. Grafting can be used to improve the vigor and disease resistance of the plant.
In conclusion, the river stylo can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, in-vitro propagation, and grafting propagation. The choice of propagation method depends on factors such as the grower's expertise, availability of resources, and desired outcomes.
Disease and Pest Management for Stylosanthes Riparia Kearney
Stylosanthes riparia Kearney is a forage crop that is highly valued for its drought tolerance, high protein content, and ability to improve soil fertility. However, like all crops, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can reduce its productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases:
1. Anthracnose: This is a common fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and defoliation. It is spread by water splash, insects, and tools. To manage anthracnose, avoid planting in areas prone to the disease, plant resistant varieties, maintain good hygiene practices, prune affected parts, and use fungicides if necessary.
2. Root Rot: This is a disease caused by fungi that attacks the roots of the plant. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, plant in well-draining soils, avoid overwatering, and use fungicides if necessary.
Common Pests:
1. Aphids: These are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, use natural predators such as ladybugs, or use insecticides if necessary.
2. Cutworms: These are moth larvae that can cut the stems of the plant at the soil level. To manage cutworms, use physical barriers such as collars around the plants, use biological controls such as parasitic wasps, or use insecticides if necessary.
3. Grasshoppers: These are large insects that can eat large portions of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage grasshoppers, use physical barriers such as nets or cages, or use insecticides if necessary.
By following these disease and pest management practices, farmers can ensure healthy growth and maximum productivity of Stylosanthes riparia Kearney.
