The Vicia Disperma DC. Plant
Vicia disperma DC., commonly known as the small-seed vetch, is an annual flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to Eurasia and Northern Africa, but can now be found in temperate regions globally, including North America, South America, and Australia.
Common Names
Aside from being called the small-seed vetch, the plant is also commonly referred to as narrow-leaved vetch, slender vetch, and small-fruited vetch. In some regions, it is referred to as “tare,” a name that also applies to any weedy species of vetch.
Uses
The Vicia disperma DC. plant has been used as a forage crop by farmers for centuries. It is also considered a valuable cover crop, as it can help suppress weeds and improve soil structure. Small-seed vetch can also be used as a green manure, since it fixes nitrogen and improves soil fertility.
The plant is also used in the production of wildflower meadows, where it is sown along with grasses and other wildflowers. It provides a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, making it an essential component of the ecosystem.
General Appearance
The small-seed vetch is a climbing or trailing annual plant with slender stems that can reach up to 80 cm in length. It has small, narrow leaves that are divided into around six leaflets. Small, purple or pink flowers with white or yellow centers bloom from May to September, depending on the climate. The flowers give way to small, elongated pods that contain one to three seeds each.
The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay, and prefers cool, moist conditions.
Light Requirements
Vicia disperma DC. is a sun-loving plant that thrives in bright and direct sunlight for at least six hours each day. It grows best in full sun or slight shade, but intense shade hampers its growth and development.
Temperature Range
The typical temperatures for the growth of Vicia disperma DC. range from 10°C to 25°C. The plant can grow in cooler temperatures, but it slows down growth during hot summers, especially when temperatures exceed 25°C. It is best grown in moderate or sub-tropical conditions and should not be exposed to frost.
Soil Requirements
Vicia disperma DC. requires well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It prefers to grow in humus-rich, loamy or sandy soil that is not too heavy. The plant does not grow well in heavy, clumpy soils that restrict root development. It is best to plant Vicia disperma DC. in soil that has been enriched with organic matter.
Cultivation of Vicia disperma DC.
Vicia disperma DC., commonly known as narrow-leaved vetch, is a legume that is cultivated for its protein-rich seeds and as a green manure crop.
The plant does well in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The seeds should be sown in a well-prepared seedbed at a depth of about one inch and spaced around 4-5 inches apart. The plant requires full sunlight to grow properly, therefore, planting should be done in a location that receives ample sunlight.
Watering Needs
Vicia disperma DC. requires regular watering during the growing season. The plant should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage a deep root system. It is important to avoid overwatering as this can cause the roots to rot.
During the early stages of growth, consistent watering is important for proper establishment. After the plant is established, it can tolerate some drought but should still be watered regularly.
Fertilization
Fertilization of Vicia disperma DC. depends on soil fertility. If the soil is poor, it is recommended to incorporate nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote growth. However, if the soil is already fertile, do not apply too much nitrogen as this can cause excessive vegetative growth at the expense of seed production.
Phosphorus is also important for the growth of Vicia disperma DC. It is recommended to use phosphorus-rich fertilizer during the early stages of growth to promote root development.
Pruning
Vicia disperma DC. does not require pruning as it is a self-supporting plant. However, dead and damaged leaves and stems should be removed to promote healthy growth. Removing the dead and damaged plant parts will also prevent pests and diseases.
Propagation of Vicia disperma DC.
Vicia disperma DC. is commonly known as dispersed vetch or sparse-podded bushvetch, and it is a legume species found in the Mediterranean region. This plant species has gained popularity due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, thus improving soil fertility and promoting healthy plant growth. There are various methods used to propagate Vicia disperma DC.
Seed propagation
One of the most common propagation methods for Vicia disperma DC. is seed propagation. The plant produces seeds that are usually harvested manually before they are dispersed naturally. The seeds are then cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place for planting during the next growing season. Before planting, the seeds are treated with a fungicide to prevent fungal infections. The seeds are then planted in drills or by broadcasting on prepared seedbeds. The planted seeds are then covered with a thin layer of soil and watered regularly until germination occurs.
Vegetative propagation
Vicia disperma DC. can also be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings or through grafting. Stem cuttings are preferably taken from healthy and vigorous plants during the active growing season. The cuttings are usually about 10cm long and should contain at least two nodes. The cuttings are then planted in a rooting medium consisting of sand, peat or vermiculite in a greenhouse or under misting systems. The rooted cuttings are then transplanted to their final position after rooting has been established. Grafting is also used to propagate Vicia disperma DC. by joining a scion from a desired plant to a rootstock, which is resistant to diseases and pests and has desirable growth characteristics.
Division
Division is another propagation method used for Vicia disperma DC. This method involves separating healthy and vigorous plants into smaller sections. The plants are carefully lifted from the ground using a fork and the roots are gently teased apart to avoid damage. The separated sections are then replanted into prepared soil and watered regularly until they become established. This method can be used to propagate Vicia disperma DC. plants that have grown into large clumps or when the plant is showing poor growth due to overcrowding.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that can affect the plant Vicia disperma DC. The most common diseases include:
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and seed decay. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant debris, crop rotation, and the application of fungicides such as carbendazim.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that can cause yellow-orange rust spots on leaves. To manage rust, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant debris, crop rotation, and the application of fungicides such as trifloxystrobin.
- Mosaic Virus: Mosaic virus is a viral disease that can cause mottled leaves. To manage mosaic virus, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant debris, crop rotation, and the use of virus-free seed.
Pest Management
The plant Vicia disperma DC. is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, it is recommended to use insecticide such as imidacloprid.
- Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that can cause leaf stippling and distortions. To manage mites, it is recommended to use a miticide such as abamectin.
- Wireworms: Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles that can cause damage to root systems. To manage wireworms, it is recommended to use insecticides such as bifenthrin.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for symptoms of disease and pests to ensure that any problems are addressed early on. Additionally, measures such as practicing good sanitation, crop rotation, and using disease-resistant varieties can be effective in preventing disease and pest infestations in the first place.