Stylosanthes sundaica Taub.
Stylosanthes sundaica Taub. is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as the "Indonesian Stylo" or "Sundanese Stylo" and is native to Indonesia.
Appearance
The plant has a sprawling growth habit, with stems that can reach up to 1 meter in length. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet being long and slender, and ranging from 1-12 cm in length. The plant produces small yellow-green flowers, which are followed by oblong-cylindrical shaped pods that can reach up to 20 mm in length.
Uses
Stylosanthes sundaica Taub. is primarily used as a forage crop for livestock. It is valued for its high protein content and its ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it is used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and as a sustainable source of biomass for energy production.
In conclusion, Stylosanthes sundaica Taub. is an important plant species that has a variety of uses, from forage to medicinal and environmental applications.
Growth Conditions for Stylosanthes sundaica Taub.
Stylosanthes sundaica Taub. is a perennial tropical legume that thrives in a wide range of environmental conditions, especially in places with high rainfall and warm temperatures. The plant can grow up to a height of 2m, with stem erect and spreading. It can also produce numerous branches from the basal area.
Light Requirements
To achieve optimum growth and yield, Stylosanthes sundaica Taub. requires at least six hours of sunlight per day. The plant can grow well in full sun conditions, but it can also thrive in partial shade. If grown in partial shade, the plant may produce fewer leaves and stems, resulting in lower yield.
Temperature Requirements
Stylosanthes sundaica Taub. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in temperatures between 20°C and 35°C. Temperatures below 15°C can significantly affect the plant's overall growth and yield. On the other hand, temperatures above 40°C can cause heat stress, which can result in the loss of leaves, flowers, and pods.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow well in a variety of soil types, including sandy loams and clay soils, but it thrives best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. For higher yield, the soil should be rich in organic matter. The plant may also require additional fertilizer to achieve optimum growth and yield.
In conclusion, Stylosanthes sundaica Taub. is a versatile tropical legume that can grow in a broad range of environmental conditions. It requires adequate sunlight and temperatures between 20°C and 35°C for optimum growth. The plant grows best in well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5 and rich in organic matter.
Cultivation Methods:
Stylosanthes sundaica Taub. is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and a lot of sun exposure to thrive. It can grow in a wide variety of soils, including sandy and loamy soils. However, it prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant is best propagated through seeds that should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm in the soil. The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. It is important to water the seeds and cuttings regularly until they establish themselves in the soil.
Watering Needs:
Stylosanthes sundaica Taub. requires moderate watering. During the growing season, the plant should be watered once a week, or more often if the soil becomes dry. It is important to ensure that there is proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. During the dormant season, watering can be reduced to once every two weeks. However, it is important to monitor the soil moisture to ensure that the plant does not dry out completely.
Fertilization:
Stylosanthes sundaica Taub. responds well to fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10:10:10 can be applied to the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can be applied to the soil around the plant to improve soil fertility. However, caution should be exercised when applying fertilizers to prevent over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning:
Pruning is not necessary for Stylosanthes sundaica Taub. Nonetheless, it can be done to remove dead, damaged, or diseased plant parts. It can also be done to shape the plant and control its growth. Pruning should be done in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperature is cooler to prevent moisture loss. Pruning tools such as pruning shears should be sanitized before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Stylosanthes sundaica Taub.
Stylosanthes sundaica Taub., also known as Sunda Stylo, is a perennial legume that can be propagated in various ways, such as:
Seed propagation
Stylosanthes sundaica Taub. can be propagated through seeds, which can be collected from mature fruits during the dry season. The seeds need to be removed from the pods and then cleaned and dried before they can be stored or sown. The best time for sowing is during the rainy season or at the beginning of the wet season.
Before sowing, the seeds can be scarified to break their dormancy, either mechanically or chemically. Mechanical scarification can be done by rubbing the seeds on sandpaper or by cracking the seed coat with pliers. Chemical scarification involves soaking the seeds in concentrated sulfuric acid for a few minutes and then washing them thoroughly with clean water.
Seeds can be sown directly in the field, either by broadcasting or using drills. The recommended seeding rate is 6-8 kg/ha. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and then pressed firmly to ensure good soil-seed contact. Germination usually occurs within 7-14 days after sowing.
Vegetative propagation
Stylosanthes sundaica Taub. can also be propagated vegetatively, using stem cuttings or root cuttings.
Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and vigorous plants, preferably during the early stages of the rainy season. The cuttings should be 15-20 cm long and have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings can be planted directly in the field, at a spacing of 20-30 cm between plants and 50-60 cm between rows.
Root cuttings can be taken from mature plants during the dry season. The roots should be dug out, washed, and cut into 5-10 cm long pieces, each containing at least one node. The cuttings should be planted directly in the field, preferably during the early stages of the rainy season. The recommended spacing is the same as for stem cuttings.
Disease Management for Stylosanthes Sundaica Taub.
Stylosanthes Sundaica Taub. is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. The most common diseases that affect the plant include anthracnose, root rot, powdery mildew, and rust.
To manage anthracnose, it is advisable to remove infected plants and plant debris to reduce sources of the fungus. Avoid overhead irrigation and maintain good air circulation around the plants. Copper fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Root rot can be managed by planting in well-draining soil and avoiding over-watering. Fungicide applications can also be used to control the disease.
Powdery mildew can be managed by practicing good sanitation practices and ensuring proper spacing between plants to improve airflow. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Rust can be managed by removing infected plant parts and spraying with fungicides. Encouraging beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings, and hoverflies can also help to control rust.
Pest Management for Stylosanthes Sundaica Taub.
The most common pests that affect Stylosanthes Sundaica Taub. are aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Aphids can be controlled by introducing natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control aphids.
Whiteflies can be managed by using yellow sticky traps to attract them. Natural predators such as ladybirds and parasitic wasps can also be used to control whiteflies. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control whiteflies.
Spider mites can be managed by practicing good sanitation practices and ensuring proper watering. Beneficial insects such as ladybirds and predatory mites can also help to control spider mites. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control spider mites.
