Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

Desmodium uncinatum, commonly known as silverleaf desmodium, is a flowering plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family.

Native and Introduced Range

It is native to Latin America, and has been introduced as a fodder plant to many areas in Africa, India, New Guinea, Australia, and Hawaii.

Agricultural Uses

While it is primarily grown as fodder, it can also be used for pasture, deferred feed, cut-and-carry systems, hay, ground cover, and mulch.

Invasive Status

It is classified as an invasive species in Australia and Hawaii.

Push-Pull Pest Management Application

This Desmodium species is also used in push-pull pest management technology, where it is grown as an intercrop between rows of cereal crops to control stem-boring insects and fall armyworms.

Common Intercrop Status in Push-Pull Technology

Along with D. intortum, also called greenleaf desmodium, it is one of the two most common intercrop species used in push-pull technology.