Introduction
Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight, also known as Indian liquorice or Rosary pea, is a perennial vine belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka and has been naturalized in other tropical and subtropical regions.
Appearance
The plant has attractive compound leaves with seven to thirteen leaflets, which are thin and elongated, and about 2–7 cm long. Abrus abrus is a climbing plant with slender stems, which can reach up to 5 m in length. The plant has an interesting fruiting structure consisting of elongated, pod-like capsules with up to eight hard, shiny, scarlet and black seeds, each about 4 mm in diameter.
Common Names
The plant Abrus abrus, which is commonly known by various names throughout its range. In India, it is known as Ratti, Gunja, or aakrati. The plant is known as Gidee Gidee or totai in Sri Lanka, while in Indonesia, it is known as anyaman, bean, or juntai.
Uses
Abrus abrus plays a significant role in traditional medicine in many regions of its distribution. The seeds of the plant contain a toxic compound, abrin which is not easily destroyed by heat, enzymes or acids. However, in small doses, abrin is said to have medicinal uses. The plant is used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating eye, skin, and liver disorders. The plant is also used in Chinese medicine to treat coughs and fever.
The Abrus abrus plant is also used in the making of jewelry and rosaries, thanks to its visually appealing seeds.
In conclusion, Abrus abrus, with its beautiful appearance and numerous functions, is an essential plant with various benefits.
Light Requirements
Abrus abrus require a good amount of sunlight to grow properly. It thrives well under full to partial sunlight conditions. The plant grows well in open areas without a lot of shading from other plants or trees. Shade may decrease the plant's growth and fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
The plant does well in a tropical or subtropical climate. Temperatures between 20°C to 35°C offer ideal conditions for the growth of Abrus abrus plants. In colder temperatures, the plant may become dormant and stop growing. Temperatures less than 10°C might damage the plant, and it may eventually die.
Soil Requirements
Abrus abrus grows well in moist and well-drained soils with good organic matter content. The plant prefers soils with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant does not tolerate dry or waterlogged soils, and it is susceptible to rotting when soil is too wet. It grows well in sandy and loamy soils, and it is also a salt-tolerant plant.
Cultivation of Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight
The Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight plant is a legume that is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows well in a wide range of soils, including sandy loams, clay loams, and clay soils.
The plant requires full sunlight for optimum growth and should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
The seeds of the Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight plant are usually sown directly in the field. They should be sown at a depth of about 1-2 cm and spaced about 10 cm apart.
Watering Needs of Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight
The Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight plant requires frequent watering to thrive. It should be watered daily during the first few weeks after planting until its roots are established.
After that, the plant can be watered every two to three days, depending on the climate and soil conditions. It is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight
The Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight plant benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and high yields.
A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Organic fertilizers like compost or manure can also be applied to provide the plant with essential nutrients.
Pruning of Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight
The Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight plant does not require much pruning. However, it is recommended to trim back any dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of disease and promote healthy growth.
The plant may also benefit from the removal of any branches that are blocking sunlight from reaching other parts of the plant.
Propagation of Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight
Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight, also known as Indian liquorice, is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to India and Southeast Asia and is often cultivated for medicinal and ornamental purposes. Propagation of Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight can be done through different methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Abrus abrus is through seeds. The seeds of the plant are small, hard, and bead-shaped, and are usually found inside the pods. To propagate through seeds, the pods must be collected, and the seeds must be separated from the pods. The seeds should be soaked in water for several hours before planting to aid germination.
Once the seeds have been soaked, they should be sown directly into the ground or in pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The soil should be kept consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about three weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be thinned out, and only the healthiest ones should be left to grow.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Abrus abrus can also be done through cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the stem of the plant and rooting them in soil or water. Cuttings should be taken during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots start to develop. Once the roots have developed, the plant can be transferred to a larger pot or planted directly into the ground.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method of propagating Abrus abrus. This method involves dividing an existing plant into multiple sections and replanting those sections as new plants.
To propagate through division, the plant should be dug out of the ground and the root system should be carefully divided into several sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and some stems and leaves. The divided sections should then be replanted into pots or directly into the ground, and kept consistently moist until they start to grow.
These are the different propagation methods used for Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight. With the right conditions and care, the plant can be successfully propagated through any of these methods.
Disease Management:
Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight is susceptible to various plant diseases, especially fungal infections. The most common diseases affecting the plant include anthracnose, leaf spots, and rust. To manage anthracnose, farmers should ensure that their plants are well spaced to improve aeration and reduce humidity. It is also advisable to prune infected branches and remove any debris to prevent the spread of the disease. Leaf spots, caused by the fungus Cercospora abrusicola, can be managed through proper sanitation, such as the removal of diseased leaves and promoting proper drainage. Rust, caused by the fungi Uromyces abrusae, can be controlled by removing infected plant parts and using fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management:
Abrus abrus (L.) W. Wight is vulnerable to several pests, notably aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Aphids can suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and become discolored. Spider mites feed on the plant's sap, leading to yellowed leaves and stunted growth. Mealybugs can cause significant damage to the plant, including yellowing, wilting, and leaf distortion. To control these pests, farmers can use natural predators, insecticides, or neem oil as a natural remedy. Using insecticidal soap, horticultural oil or a strong stream of water can also help manage the pests. Preventative measures, such as inspecting plants to detect infestations early and removing and destroying affected plant parts, are also essential in controlling pests.
