Overview
Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. is a perennial herb in the pea family Fabaceae. It is also known by its common names false bird's-foot trefoil, tuberous vetchling, and tuberous vetch. This plant is native to Europe and western Asia but has been introduced and become established in North America.
General Appearance
Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. grows up to 40 inches tall with a sprawling habit. The stems are thin and covered in fine hairs. The leaves are pinnate, consisting of 6-8 pairs of small leaflets, and end in a tendril. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, clustered in dense, elongated spikes up to 4 inches long. The plant produces an underground tuberous root, which enables it to spread and persist through adverse conditions.
Uses
False bird's-foot trefoil has no known significant economic uses but is sometimes planted as an ornamental. It can also be used as a cover crop and forage for livestock. Some indigenous tribes have used its leaves and tubers in traditional medicine, but there is little scientific evidence to support its efficacy.
In North America, false bird's-foot trefoil has become naturalized and is considered an invasive species in some regions. The plant can compete with native species and disrupt ecosystems.
Growth Conditions for Vicia pseudocracca Bertol.
Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. is a legume plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is commonly known as false tare or rough pea. This plant is tolerant of various soil types, but it generally grows best in moist and fertile clay or loamy soil.
Light Requirements
Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. is a plant that requires a moderate amount of sunlight exposure to grow and develop properly. It can grow in shaded areas but will not thrive as well as when exposed to sunlight. The ideal amount of sunlight for this plant ranges from 6 to 8 hours daily.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers a temperate climate ranging from 18°C – 32°C for optimal growth and production. However, Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. is also tolerant to cooler temperatures and can grow in areas with temperatures ranging from 5°C – 15°C.
Soil Requirements
Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. prefers moderately fertile and well-drained soils for optimal growth. It is adapted to a wide range of soil pH, but it grows best in soils with a pH of 6.5 – 7.5. This plant can grow in both mineral and organic soils, but it requires regular irrigation to maintain moisture in the soil.
In conclusion, providing moderate sunlight exposure, temperature ranging from 18°C – 32°C, and well-drained loamy or clay soils with a pH range of 6.5 – 7.5 will provide the ideal growth conditions for Vicia pseudocracca Bertol.
Cultivation methods
Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. is a climbing plant that grows best in well-drained soil and full sun. You can grow it from seeds or by transplanting seedlings. If you are starting from seeds, sow them about 1-2 inches deep in the soil in the early spring. If you are transplanting seedlings, make sure to give them enough space to climb and spread out.
Watering needs
Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. needs to be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, and during hot and dry spells, water more frequently. Make sure to check the soil regularly and adjust the watering based on the moisture level in the soil.
Fertilization
You can fertilize Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. needs to be pruned regularly to control its growth and shape. Prune in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back any overgrown or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. You can also remove any old flowers to promote new growth and blooming.
Propagation of Vicia pseudocracca Bertol.
Vicia pseudocracca Bertol., commonly known as tuberous vetchling or cluster vetch, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Europe and western Asia and has proven to be a valuable forage crop. The plant is propagated mainly through seeds and vegetative propagation techniques like root division and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation remains the most common method for propagating Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. seeds can be planted directly into the ground or started indoors and later transplanted. To ensure germination, seeds should be softened by soaking in water or by nicking the seed coat. Pre-treated seeds are sown during the spring or fall, in well-draining soil with good fertility, and watered regularly until the seedlings are established. Thereafter, the young plants require less frequent watering.
Vegetative Propagation
Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. can be propagated through root division or stem cuttings. Root division involves carefully separating plant roots from the parent plant and planting them in a separate container or garden spot. This method is best done during the spring when the growth cycle has resumed. Stem cuttings can be taken in late summer or early fall when the plant has stopped flowering. Cuttings are taken from the top of the plant and placed in a moist soil mixture, kept in a warm bright area until roots develop and planted in individual containers. Adequate care should be taken to ensure humidity levels are consistent until new growth appears.
Propagation by the division of the root or stem cuttings is a quicker way to get more plants from the original parent plant. Vegetative propagation helps in maintaining the varietal characteristics of the parent plant and makes it easier for the plant to adapt to new growing environments.
Disease Management
Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. is susceptible to several diseases. The most common ones are:
- Root Rot: caused by various fungi and can be managed by avoiding overwatering, providing good drainage, and using disease-resistant cultivars.
- Mildew: caused by fungal pathogens and can be controlled by removing infected plant parts, improving air circulation, and using fungicides.
- Bacterial Blight: caused by Xanthomonas campestris and can be managed by using disease-free seeds, avoiding overhead irrigation, and using copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Vicia pseudocracca Bertol. is also prone to pest infestations. The most common pests are:
- Aphids: can be controlled by frequently spraying water on the plant to dislodge them, releasing beneficial insects, or using insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: can be managed by using insecticidal soap, increasing humidity, and removing infested plant parts.
- Bean Weevils: can be controlled by using insecticides, crop rotation, or planting resistant varieties.
It's essential to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of diseases and pests. Early detection is crucial for effective management. Additionally, maintaining proper plant nutrition, soil quality, and irrigation practices can enhance the plant's resistance to diseases and pests.
