Bidens Dolosa Sherff

Overview of Bidens dolosa Sherff

Bidens dolosa Sherff is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae and is native to the northwestern region of South America. The plant is widely distributed throughout Ecuador and Peru, where it commonly grows in disturbed areas along roadsides, riverbanks, and agricultural lands.

Common Names of Bidens dolosa Sherff

Bidens dolosa Sherff is commonly known by several names. In Ecuador, it is referred to as "collejón," "collejón chancuso," or "cadillo." In Peru, it is commonly known as "chinchintora," "pica-pica," "vira-vira," or "chimbo."

Appearance of Bidens dolosa Sherff

Bidens dolosa Sherff is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The stem of the plant is erect, branching, and covered with numerous tiny hairs. The leaves are opposite, pinnately compound, and have jagged edges. The flowers of the plant are small, yellow, and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit of the plant is a cypsela, small and slightly curved, with bristles on the edges that help in dispersing the seeds.

Uses of Bidens dolosa Sherff

Bidens dolosa Sherff has several medicinal uses and is mainly used as a natural remedy for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat skin rashes, burns, wounds, and respiratory problems such as coughs, colds, and asthma. The plant extracts have also shown some potential for treating cancer. Besides its medicinal uses, the plant is also used as a natural dye for textiles and food.

Light Requirements

Bidens dolosa Sherff typically thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, although it can tolerate some shade. If grown indoors, make sure to place the plant near a window or under grow lights to ensure it gets enough light.

Temperature Requirements

The optimal temperature range for Bidens dolosa Sherff is between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). It can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, but it is not frost-tolerant. If you live in a region with cold winters, it's best to grow this plant as an annual or move it indoors during the winter months.

Soil Requirements

Bidens dolosa Sherff prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients. If the soil is poor, amend it with compost or other organic matter before planting.

Cultivation of Bidens dolosa Sherff

Bidens dolosa Sherff is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. Start by selecting a site with these conditions before planting.

Propagation of Bidens dolosa Sherff can be done from seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden in the spring, whereas stem cuttings can be planted in the summer. Ensure that the soil is moist during the planting process and transplanting should be done with care to avoid damaging the roots.

Watering Needs

Bidens dolosa Sherff requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not water-logged. Watering should be done once or twice a week, depending on the prevailing weather conditions. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but it is important to water it during prolonged dry spells to avert dehydration.

Fertilization

Fertilizing Bidens dolosa Sherff enhances its growth and overall health. The first application of fertilizer should be done three weeks after planting, followed by another application six weeks later. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Take care not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduced flower production.

Pruning

Pruning of Bidens dolosa Sherff should be done after the flowering season. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems and branches. Cut back the plant to a third of its height to encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of the plant if it starts to get too leggy or straggly. Regular pruning not only maintains the plant's shape but also stimulates new growth.

Propagation of Bidens dolosa Sherff

Bidens dolosa Sherff, commonly known as Hairy-fruited beggarticks or Hairy-fruited swamp marigold, belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a native American plant found mainly in marshes, swamps, and wetland areas. Propagation of Bidens dolosa Sherff can be done through both sexual and asexual methods.

Sexual Propagation

Propagation of Bidens dolosa Sherff through sexual method involves the use of seeds. The plant produces small, black seeds that can be easily collected in the fall. The seeds are dispersed by wind and water, facilitating their growth in a wide range of environments. To propagate the plant through seed, the following steps should be taken:

1. Collect the seeds in the fall.
2. Clean and dry the seeds.
3. Sow the seeds in a well-drained soil mixture, covering them lightly with soil.
4. Keep the soil moist and warm, preferably at 21-24°C.
5. The seeds will germinate within one to two weeks.
6. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted to their desired location.

Asexual Propagation

Bidens dolosa Sherff can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. This method is beneficial for individuals who want to produce several plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. To propagate the plant through stem cuttings, the following steps should be taken:

1. Select a healthy, mature stem from the parent plant.
2. Cut the stem from the parent plant, ensuring that it is 6-8 cm long and has a few leaves intact.
3. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth.
4. Plant the stem cutting in well-drained soil, ensuring that it is planted deep enough to support itself.
5. Keep the soil moist and warm, preferably at 21-24°C.
6. Within a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots and can be transplanted to a permanent location.

Both propagation methods for Bidens dolosa Sherff can be successful when the appropriate steps are followed. However, propagation through stem cuttings typically results in plants that are less vigorous than those propagated through seed.

Disease Management

Bidens dolosa Sherff is generally a hardy plant species, but like every other plant, it’s also susceptible to various diseases that can cause severe damage. Some of the common diseases that can affect Bidens dolosa Sherff include:

• Leaf spot disease: This disease is characterized by the appearance of small, brown spots on the leaves. It is often caused by different fungal species. You can manage leaf spot by pruning infected leaves, ensuring proper drainage, and using fungicides.
• Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. It is characterized by a white powdery substance on leaves. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering and keep the surrounding area free from weeds. Also, improve air circulation by spacing out the plants properly.
• Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight is a serious disease that can cause wilting and eventually death of the plant. It’s caused by bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. Tagetis. To manage it, remove the infected plant materials and treat the plant with appropriate bactericides.

Pest Management

Bidens dolosa Sherff can also fall prey to different pests that can cause devastating damage. Some of the common pests are:

• Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant sap, causing the leaves to curl and eventually die. To manage them, introduce predators like ladybugs and lacewings, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil-based products.
• Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause extensive damage by feeding on the foliage and even the flowers. To manage them, remove them by hand if possible, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad-based insecticides.
• Spider mites: These are tiny insects that often go unnoticed until the plant shows signs of damage. They suck out the fluids from the leaves, causing them to yellow and eventually die. To manage spider mites, use miticides or pesticides, or introduce beneficial insects like predatory mites or lacewings.

By practicing proper cultural practices, regular monitoring and early intervention, you can ensure that your Bidens dolosa Sherff remains healthy and productive.