Overview
Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is commonly known as "Archer's Stylo" or "Round-Leaf Stylo". It is native to Africa and has been introduced to many parts of the world, including South America, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
Description
Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. is a perennial legume that can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has a shallow, fibrous root system that allows it to grow well in poor soils. The leaves of this plant are round or oval-shaped and are typically 2-6 cm long. The plant produces small, pink or purple flowers that are arranged in clusters on a long stem. The fruit is a small, dry pod that contains one or two seeds.
Uses
Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. is mainly used as a forage crop for livestock. It is highly nutritious and palatable and can be eaten by all types of livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The plant is also known to be a good source of nitrogen, which can improve soil fertility. In addition to its use as a forage crop, Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. has also been found to have medicinal properties. The plant has been used to treat various ailments, such as fever, diarrhea, and skin infections.
General Appearance
Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. is a plant that is generally characterized by its round or oval-shaped leaves and small, pink or purple flowers. The plant can grow up to one meter in height and has a shallow, fibrous root system. The fruit is a small, dry pod that contains one or two seeds. This plant is commonly used as a forage crop for livestock due to its high nutritional value and is also known to have medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
The plant Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. grows best in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Growers should avoid placing the plant in shaded areas as it may cause stunted growth or slow development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is naturally adapted to thrive in warm climates. It requires temperatures between 20°C and 30°C to thrive. This plant is highly sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures and should be planted after the last frost.
Soil Requirements
Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy loam, loam, and clay. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil must be well-draining, allowing the plant to access water but not be waterlogged. It requires moderate soil fertility, so growers need to supplement with fertilizer regularly.
Cultivation Methods for Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov.
Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. prefers well-draining, sandy or loam soil in warm climatic zones that receive annual rainfall of 600-1200 mm. Before planting, prepare the soil by removing weeds and other debris and adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility. Sow seeds during the rainy season at a depth of 1-2 cm and spaced 10-20 cm apart. Alternatively, propagate the plant by stem cuttings or root division.
Watering Needs for Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov.
Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. Water the plant deeply and regularly, ensuring that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid leaf scorching due to evaporation.
Fertilization of Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov.
Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. benefits from regular fertilization with nitrogen-rich fertilizers, especially during the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two to three months to enhance plant vigor and promote flowering and fruit production.
Pruning Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov.
Pruning of Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. is beneficial to encourage bushier and more compact growth. After the plant has established, pinch off the tips of the stems regularly to promote branching. Additionally, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Propagation of Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov.
Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. can be propagated via two methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. should be collected once they have matured on the plant. The seed will be ready for harvesting when they have turned brown and the pods have opened on their own. Once the seeds are collected, they should be dried in the sun for a day or two.
After the seeds have been dried, they should be scarified (scratched or nicked) to break the hard seed coat. This can be done manually by rubbing the seeds against a piece of sandpaper, or by soaking them in hot water for a few minutes. Scarification ensures that water can penetrate the seed coat and the seed can germinate.
Once the seeds have been scarified, they should be planted in the soil at a depth of about 1 cm. The soil should be well-draining and moist, but not waterlogged. Germination typically takes 7-10 days, depending on the conditions.
Vegetative propagation
Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. can also be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants in the morning, when the plant is turgid.
The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should be taken from the middle or upper part of the stem. Any leaves that are present on the lower half of the cutting should be removed.
Once the cuttings have been prepared, they should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. They should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment with bright but indirect light. Rooting should occur within 2-3 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov.
Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. is a leguminous plant that is commonly grown for forage production in tropical and subtropical regions. In order to maintain healthy growth and ensure high yield, it is important to take appropriate measures to manage diseases and pests that may affect the plant.
Common Diseases
Some of the common diseases that may affect Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. include:
- Root Rots: This is a soil-borne disease that can cause significant damage to the plant. It is caused by various fungi such as Fusarium spp., Phytophthora spp., and Rhizoctonia spp. which attack the root system, causing stunted growth and discoloration.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves and stems of the plant. It is characterized by sunken lesions that are brown to black in color. Severe infections can lead to defoliation and significant yield losses.
- Yellow Mosaic Virus: This is a viral disease that is common in the tropics and can cause severe damage to the plant. Infected plants exhibit stunted growth, yellowing of the foliage and malformation of leaves.
Pest Management
Some of the common pests that may affect Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. include:
- Aphids: These pests suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distorted plant growth. They also act as vectors for viral diseases such as the Yellow Mosaic Virus.
- Cutworms: These pests attack the stems of the plant, causing wilting and death. They are most active at night and can be detected by inspecting the base of the plant for signs of damage.
- Whiteflies: These pests are known to cause a significant amount of damage to the plant by feeding on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and curling of the foliage. They are also vectors for viral diseases.
Effective pest management for Stylosanthes suborbiculata Chiov. involves a combination of cultural practices such as crop rotation, field sanitation, and the use of resistant varieties. Chemical control methods should only be used as a last resort and should be applied following the manufacturer's instructions.
