Overview of Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch.Bip.
Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch.Bip. is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as Dalmatian pyrethrum or simply pyrethrum. It is a perennial herb that is primarily cultivated for the extraction of pyrethrins from its flowers, which are known for their insecticidal properties.
Origin of Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch.Bip.
Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch.Bip. is native to the Balkan Peninsula, specifically to the Dalmatia region of Croatia. It grows at elevations of up to 1,500 meters above sea level and thrives in well-drained soils.
Common Names of Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch.Bip.
Along with its common name Dalmatian pyrethrum, Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch.Bip. is also known by several other names across the world, such as the following:
- Pyrethrum dalmaticum
- Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium
- Buchloë dalmatica
- Pyrethrum roseum
Uses of Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch.Bip.
The primary use of Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch.Bip. is in the manufacturing of natural insecticides. The flowers of the plant are harvested and processed to extract pyrethrins, which are used to create an array of insect control products such as sprays, foggers, and pet shampoos. In traditional medicine, Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch.Bip. has been used to treat fever, dysentery, and various other ailments as it contains several bioactive compounds that exhibit antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Additionally, the plant is cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers, which are pink or white and daisy-like in appearance.
General Appearance of Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch.Bip.
Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch.Bip. grows up to 50 cm tall and has an upright habit with numerous stems that arise from a woody base. The leaves are alternate, pinnately lobed, and covered with fine hairs. The flowers are arranged in flat-topped clusters and have a yellow center and white or pink petals. The plant blooms from June to August, and the seeds are achenes that are dispersed by the wind.
Light Requirements:
Tanacetum cinerariifolium typically grows best in full sun to partial shade. Therefore, it is essential to place the plant in locations where it receives direct sunlight for at least six hours per day.
Temperature Requirements:
The optimal temperature for the growth of Tanacetum cinerariifolium ranges from 15°C to 23°C. This plant thrives in cool to moderately warm climates and cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding 30°C. Extreme heat can lead to stunted growth, while frost can cause significant damage or death of the plant.
Soil Requirements:
The soil requirements for Tanacetum cinerariifolium are well-draining, moderately fertile, and slightly alkaline. The ideal soil pH ranges from 7.0 to 8.0. It is crucial to ensure that the soil is not too compact, as compact soil can lead to waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the plant's health. Additionally, adding organic matter to the soil can help improve soil structure and increase its water-holding capacity.
Cultivation of Tanacetum cinerariifolium
Tanacetum cinerariifolium, commonly known as Dalmatian pyrethrum, is a perennial plant that thrives in warm and dry climates. It's a popular ornamental plant that produces beautiful yellow flowers, and it's also commercially cultivated for the production of insecticides. Here are some tips on how to cultivate Tanacetum cinerariifolium:
Soil and Site Selection
The ideal soil for cultivating Tanacetum cinerariifolium should be well-drained, moderately fertile, and have a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers a sunny location exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. Select a site that's sheltered from strong winds, as strong winds can damage the delicate flowers.
Planting
Plant Tanacetum cinerariifolium in the early spring, after the last frost. Sow the seeds 2-3mm deep in rows, spaced about 30cm apart. Alternatively, you can transplant seedlings to the planting site after they have grown to about 10cm tall.
Watering Needs
Tanacetum cinerariifolium is drought tolerant and prefers dry soil to wet soil. Water the plant only when the topsoil is completely dry, and be careful not to overwater the plant as it can cause root rot. During the rainy season, consider covering the plants to prevent them from getting too much water.
Fertilization
During the growing season, you can apply a balanced fertilizer to Tanacetum cinerariifolium once a month. Use a slow-release fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter months as it's dormant during this period.
Pruning
Prune Tanacetum cinerariifolium regularly to encourage bushy growth and more flowers. You can pinch off the growing tips to promote branching, or cut back the entire plant after it has finished flowering. This pruning will encourage the plant to produce new growth and more flowers in the following season.
Propagation of Tanacetum cinerariifolium
Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch.Bip. is commonly known as Dalmatian pyrethrum or Persian insect powder, is a perennial plant that grows up to 70cm in height. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most commonly used method of propagation for Tanacetum cinerariifolium is through seeds. The seeds of this plant can be sown either in the spring or the fall. For spring sowing, the seeds are sown directly into the ground after the last frost date, while for fall sowing, the seeds are sown in mid to late autumn.
Before sowing the seeds, it is essential to prepare the soil properly. The soil should be moist and well-drained, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch and spaced about 12 inches apart. Once sown, the soil should be watered gently.
The seeds of Tanacetum cinerariifolium will germinate within two to three weeks. After germination, the seedlings should be thinned out, leaving a distance of about 18 to 24 inches between each plant.
Propagation by Cuttings
The propagation of Tanacetum cinerariifolium can also be done through stem cuttings. This method is usually done during summer or early autumn. To propagate through stem cuttings, cut a 3-inch stem from a healthy plant just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
The cutting should be planted in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. It should be kept in partial shade and watered regularly. After a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots and can be transplanted to a larger pot or the garden bed.
Propagation by Division
Dalmatian pyrethrum can also be propagated by division. This method is usually done during early spring or late autumn. To propagate through division, dig up the entire plant carefully and separate the root ball into two or three sections. Each section should have a healthy shoot and root system.
The divided sections can then be planted in well-draining soil, keeping a distance of 18 to 24 inches between each plant. The soil should be watered gently to keep it moist, and the plant should be kept in partial shade until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Tanacetum cinerariifolium, commonly known as Dalmatian pyrethrum, is affected by various diseases that can cause discoloration, deformation, and death of the plant. The common diseases that affect this plant include powdery mildew, gray mold, damping-off, downy mildew, and Fusarium wilt.
Powdery mildew: It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant, eventually causing leaves to wilt. To prevent the disease, growers should practice good sanitation, including pruning and destroying infected parts, maintaining proper spacing between plants, and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization. Fungicides such as potassium bicarbonate, neem oil, and sulfur can be sprayed to control the disease, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Gray mold: It appears as grayish-brown spores on the flowers and leaves, causing them to rot and wither. To control the disease, growers should keep the plant dry by watering it in the morning and ensuring good air circulation. They should also remove infected parts, practice good sanitation, and apply fungicides such as copper sulfate and neem oil following the manufacturer's instructions.
Damping-off: It is caused by soil-borne fungi, causing the plant's stem to rot at the soil level and eventually fall over. To prevent the disease, growers should avoid over-watering and over-fertilizing the plant, ensure proper drainage, and use sterile planting media. Applying fungicides containing Bacillus subtilis can also help.
Downy mildew: It appears as yellowish patches on the upper part of the leaves and a grayish mold on the underside. The disease causes plants to become stunted, and in severe cases, leaves to drop. To control the disease, growers should remove infected parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides containing copper sulfate, neem oil, or potassium bicarbonate following the manufacturer's instructions.
Fusarium wilt: It is a soil-borne disease that affects the plant's vascular system, causing it to wilt and die eventually. Growers can prevent the disease by using disease-free planting materials and avoiding over-watering and over-fertilizing the plant. Crop rotation with non-host plants and application of bio-fungicides containing Bacillus subtilis can also help manage the disease.
Pest Management
Tanacetum cinerariifolium is also attacked by various pests that can cause extensive damage and yield loss. The common pests that affect this plant include spider mites, aphids, leafhoppers, and whiteflies.
Spider mites: These pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing the plant to dry and wilt. To control the infestation, growers should avoid over-fertilizing and over-watering the plant. They should also increase humidity and introduce natural enemies such as predatory mites and ladybugs. In severe cases, growers may apply miticides such as pyrethrins, neem oil, or insecticidal soaps.
Aphids: These pests infest the new growth of the plant, sucking sap, and transmitting viruses. To control the infestation, growers should introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs and increase air circulation. They can also apply insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oils to manage the pest.
Leafhoppers: These pests suck sap from the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To control the infestation, growers should remove weed hosts, use yellow sticky traps to monitor the pest, and maintain proper sanitation. Applying insecticides such as pyrethrins can also help manage the pest.
Whiteflies: These pests suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. To prevent the infestation, growers should maintain proper sanitation, use yellow sticky traps to monitor the pest, and introduce natural enemies such as parasitic wasps and predatory insects. In severe cases, growers may use insecticides such as acephate and pyrethrins.
