Introduction
Apium L. is a genus of plants in the Apiaceae family, commonly known as celery. It includes around nine species of biennial and perennial plants that are widely cultivated for their edible stalks, leaves, and seeds.
Origin
The celery plant is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean basin, where it was used as a medicinal herb in ancient Greece and Rome. It was then brought to Europe and the Americas by explorers and traders. Today, celery is cultivated worldwide, with the largest producers being China, India, and the United States.
Common Names
Apium L. is commonly known as celery, which is derived from the ancient Greek word "selinon." It is also known by other names such as wild celery, smallage, and celeriac.
Uses
Celery is most commonly used as a vegetable in cooking, with its stalks and leaves used in salads, soups, stews, and other dishes. It is a popular ingredient in many cultures and cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, and European. Celery seed is also used as a spice, with a flavor that is somewhat similar to that of the stalks and leaves.
In addition to its culinary uses, celery has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties, and has been used to treat a variety of ailments such as arthritis, gout, and the common cold.
General Appearance
The celery plant is a biennial or perennial herb that grows up to 1 meter tall. It has a fleshy, upright stem with distinctive grooves and leaves that are pinnate, meaning they are divided into many leaflets. The flowers are small and yellow, and are arranged in umbels, which are clusters of flowers that radiate from a single point like the spokes of an umbrella. The seeds are small, brown, and oval-shaped, and are contained within small fruits called schizocarps. Celery grows best in cool, moist conditions and can be planted in spring or fall.
Light Requirements
Apium L., commonly known as celery, requires full to partial sunlight. Plants that receive at least six hours of sunlight daily develop stronger stalks and achieve rapid growth. Conversely, inadequate light results in spindly plants with foliage of poor quality.
Temperature Requirements
Apium L. grows well in soil temperatures ranging between 60°F to 65°F (15.6°C to 18.3°C). On the other hand, the optimal air temperature range for celery growth is between 60°F to 70°F (15.6°C to 21.1°C). Temperatures beyond this range inhibit the growth and development of Apium L.
Soil Requirements
Apium L. thrives well in fertile, well-drained soils with adequate moisture retention capabilities. The appropriate pH range for growing celery is 6.0 to 7.0. Soils that have an imbalanced pH of lower or higher limits hinder water and nutrient uptake.
It's recommended to amend soils that lack adequate drainage and fertility with organic matter or compost. The addition of organic soil increases the soil nutrient and water-holding capacity, thereby providing Apium L. with optimal growth conditions.
Cultivation Methods for Apium L.
When cultivating Apium L., it is important to choose a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for celery cultivation is around 6.0-7.0. The Celery plant requires a lot of moisture, therefore, the soil should be kept consistently moist without becoming waterlogged. It grows well in cool temperatures between 59°F-70°F, and it does best in full sunlight.
Watering Needs for Apium L.
Celery is a thirsty plant and requires a lot of water during the growing season. It is best to water the celery plant deeply and frequently as the soil should be kept moist at all times. It is best to water early in the morning or in the evening to avoid water evaporation during the hot parts of the day. Overwatering or waterlogging should, however, be avoided as it can lead to rotting of the roots.
Fertilization of Apium L.
Apium L. should be fertilized regularly to promote growth and increase yield. It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 5-10-10 every two weeks. Alternatively, organic fertilizers can be used. It is also important to monitor the soil's nutrient content regularly to ensure that the soil remains fertile throughout the growing season.
Pruning Apium L.
Celery plants do not require a lot of pruning during their lifespan. However, it is important to remove dead or diseased foliage regularly to prevent the spread of diseases. It is also advisable to trim off the uppermost leaves when the plant is about eight to ten inches tall. This process is known as blanching, and it helps to reduce the bitterness in the celery stalks.
Propagation of Apium L.
Apium L., commonly known as celery, is a biennial plant that is propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The most popular method for propagating celery sexually is by seed. Seeds should be sown indoors during late winter or early spring and transplanted outdoors when the weather is favorable. Celery seeds require light for germination; therefore, they should be scattered over the surface of the soil and pressed gently to ensure good contact. Germination will take place in 2-3 weeks, and plants should be thinned to allow sufficient room for growth.
Asexual propagation
Celery can be propagated asexually through division, cuttings, or tissue culture.
Division is the separation of existing plants into smaller sections, each with roots and shoots. This method is best suited for mature plants and is typically performed during early spring.
Cuttings involve taking a stem from an existing plant, cutting it into smaller sections, and transplanting the cuttings into a rooting medium. This method is suitable for young plants and is typically done during the summer months.
Tissue culture is a propagation method that involves taking a small piece of plant tissue and growing it in a sterile, nutrient-rich medium. This method is commonly used for mass propagation of plants and is ideal for producing disease-free plants.
In conclusion, Apium L., or celery, can be propagated through sexual methods such as seeds and asexual methods such as division, cuttings, and tissue culture. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and plant growers should select the best propagation method for their needs.
Disease and Pest Management for Apium L.
Common diseases and pests can significantly impact the growth and productivity of Apium L. plants. It's essential to be aware of these issues and take the necessary measures to manage and prevent them. Here's a list of some of the diseases and pests that might affect Apium L. plants and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight causes small, circular, water-soaked lesions on leaves, which eventually turn brown and dry out. It can lead to plant death when left untreated. To manage this disease, practice crop rotation, avoid weed hosts, and remove and dispose of infected plant debris. Also, avoid overhead irrigation, which can spread the bacteria.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery layer on leaves, stems, and flowers. The infected parts may also curl, distort, and turn yellow. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of infected plant parts, use certified disease-free seeds, and avoid overcrowding plants. Also, provide proper ventilation and avoid excessive fertilization.
3. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. The roots may also become black and slimy. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plants, improve the soil drainage, and practice crop rotation. Remove and dispose of infected plants.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems. They cause distorted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting of plants. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage aphids. You can also attract natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control the population.
2. Celery Leaf-Tier: The celery leaf-tier larvae feed on the plant's leaves, causing significant damage. You can manage them by handpicking the larvae and removing the damaged leaves. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or insecticidal soap to control the population.
3. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged pests that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellow, mottled leaves, and webbing. To manage spider mites, increase humidity, use a strong stream of water to remove them from the plant, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can help ensure healthy growth and maximum productivity for Apium L. plants.
