Overview of Bidens Pilosa L.
Bidens pilosa L., also known as blackjack, is a plant originating from the Americas and is widely found in tropical regions. It belongs to the family Asteraceae which is known for its variety of medicinal plants.
Common Names of Bidens Pilosa L.
Bidens pilosa L. is known by several common names depending on the location. Some of the most common names are black jack, beggar-ticks, hairy beggarticks, Spanish needle, and devil's sticktight.
Uses of Bidens Pilosa L.
Bidens pilosa L. has been used for centuries by traditional healers in many cultures for its range of medicinal properties. Its leaves, roots, and stems are used to treat several ailments such as fever, coughs, and skin infections. Its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties make it a useful remedy for wounds and other skin disorders. Furthermore, it has shown potential for treating diabetes and lowering high blood pressure.
Bidens pilosa L. is also used in some culinary dishes, especially in African cuisines where the leaves and young shoots are used to prepare salads and soups.
General Appearance of Bidens Pilosa L.
Bidens pilosa L. is an annual herb that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It has dark green leaves with a serrated margin and produces small bright yellow flowers that bloom throughout the year. Its stem is covered with fine hairs, and its seeds have hooked bristles that cling onto clothes and animal fur, which is how it earned its common name 'beggar-ticks'.
Bidens pilosa L. is an easy plant to grow as it can thrive in diverse soil types and is resistant to pests and diseases.
Growth Conditions for Bidens pilosa L.
Bidens pilosa L., commonly known as Spanish needle or devil's beggarticks, is a weed commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Being an invasive species, it can grow in a wide range of conditions and is often considered a nuisance by farmers and gardeners. Here are the typical growth conditions required by Bidens pilosa L.:
Light Requirements
Bidens pilosa L. prefers full sunlight exposure. It can also tolerate a partial shade, but its growth rate is reduced in such conditions. The plant requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight exposure daily.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens pilosa L. is a warm-season plant and requires a minimum temperature of 20°C for germination. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 25°C to 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost or prolonged periods of cold weather.
Soil Requirements
Bidens pilosa L. can grow in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy and even clay soils. It requires a well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. However, it can also tolerate slightly acidic and alkaline soils. The plant can also grow in poor soil conditions, but it may not reach its full potential in terms of growth and yield.
Overall, Bidens pilosa L. is a hardy plant that can adapt to a variety of growing conditions. Its invasive nature, and ability to grow in poor soil and partial shade, makes it a difficult pest to control. Proper management strategies must be implemented to prevent its spread in agricultural and domestic settings.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens pilosa L. also known as black-jack, is an annual herbaceous plant that grows up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. It is widely cultivated across the world, mainly for its medicinal value. Bidens pilosa L. seeds are sown during the early spring season to promote growth throughout the year. The seeds can be sown directly on the desired area or can be raised in seedbeds to be transplanted later. The optimum germination temperature of Bidens pilosa L. is between 18-20 degree Celsius, and it can take up to 20 days to germinate.
Watering Needs
During the initial stages of growth, Bidens pilosa L. requires frequent watering to encourage growth. It is essential to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, as stagnant water can lead to root rot. Once the plant establishes a root system, it can tolerate dry spells and moderately drought-tolerant.
Fertilization
Bidens pilosa L. is a low maintenance plant that does not require much fertilization. However, adding compost or well-rotted manure during the initial stages of growth can promote rapid development. A balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus can also be applied once a month throughout the growing season to boost growth.
Pruning
Bidens pilosa L. requires minimal pruning except for the removal of dead or damaged leaves and stems. Pruning can be carried out throughout the growing season to promote airflow and minimize insect infestation. It is also essential to remove any spent flowers to encourage the production of new flowers.
Propagation Methods for Bidens Pilosa L.
Bidens pilosa L., commonly known as Spanish needle or beggarticks, can be propagated through three primary methods: seed propagation, division, and stem cutting.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Bidens pilosa L. is through seed propagation. The plant produces small seeds that can be easily harvested after the mature flowers have withered away. The seeds should be collected and stored in a cool, dry place for later use. To propagate using seeds, the seeds should be planted in seed-starting mix or soil. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and watered lightly. They should not be planted too deeply as they require light to germinate. They should be kept in a warm, moist environment with good air circulation until they germinate. Their seeds germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Division
Bidens pilosa L. can also be propagated through division. This involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This can be done when the plant has become too large or when trying to propagate additional plants. Cuttings should be taken in the spring and should include both roots and stems. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist until they develop new roots and begin to grow.
Stem Cutting
Bidens pilosa L. can also be propagated through stem cutting. This involves taking a section of stem and planting it in soil. The stem should be taken from a healthy plant and the leaves removed from the lower portion of the stem. The stem should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots begin to form and new growth appears.
Disease Management
Bidens pilosa L. is susceptible to various types of diseases including leaf spots, blight, and powdery mildew.
Leaf spots: Leaf spots are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, wet conditions. Symptoms include circular or irregular spots on leaves. To manage leaf spots, remove infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be used to control leaf spots.
Blight: Blight is a fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and rapid leaf death. It can spread quickly and destroy the entire plant. To manage blight, remove infected plants immediately and dispose of them properly. Avoid planting in areas with a history of blight. Fungicides can also be used to prevent blight.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. It can stunt growth and reduce yield. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Bidens pilosa L. is also susceptible to various pests including aphids, caterpillars, and mites.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from plants, causing distortion and stunted growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with water to dislodge them. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs can also be released to control aphids. Insecticides can also be used as a last resort.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They can chew through leaves and cause extensive damage. To manage caterpillars, handpick and remove them from the plant. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can also be used to control caterpillars.
Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that suck sap from plants, causing discoloration and stunted growth. To manage mites, spray the plant with water to dislodge them. Beneficial insects such as predatory mites can also be released to control mites. Insecticides can also be used as a last resort.
