Phacelia tanacetifolia (scorpion weed) is a phytosanitary cover crop used in crop rotation to break disease and pest cycles due to the absence of common pathogens shared with vegetable and cereal crops.
In the reference
15
varieties
crop Lacy phacelia,
where this is mentioned in the description.
The main advantage of phacelia as a cover crop is the absence of closely related species in Eurasian crop rotations, making it a universal predecessor. The crop is not affected by typical vegetable and cereal diseases, and the substances it releases suppress weeds and reduce the populations of soil nematodes and wireworms.
The plant is highly cold-tolerant, withstanding frosts down to -9 °C, and is capable of producing 20–30 t/ha of green biomass in 40–45 days. Its well-developed root system contributes to deep loosening and improved soil aeration, while its prolonged flowering period attracts entomophages to control pests in adjacent plantings.
General information about the subject — on the page
Green manures.
Varieties of Lacy phacelia mentioned in the description
Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.