Origin and Common Names
Adenodolichos macrothyrsus (Harms) Harms is a climbing plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to the tropical regions of Africa. It is commonly known as the white thread bean or the exotic bean.
Appearance
The plant has a woody stem, which can grow up to 3-4 meters. It has compound leaves, with three leaflets of a dark green color. The flowers are white or creamy and are arranged in elongated clusters that can grow up to 25cm in length. The fruit is a flat, straight pod, which contains small beans. Each pod can reach up to 30cm in length and 2cm in width. The seeds are white and can be eaten either cooked or raw.
Uses
The Adenodolichos macrothyrsus has various uses. In many African countries, the plant is grown for its edible beans, which are rich in protein and vitamins. The beans can be eaten cooked or raw and are used in soups, stews and salads. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The roots are used to treat diarrhea and to relieve stomach pain, while the leaves are used to treat skin rashes and insect bites. The plant is also used as a forage for animals and as a green manure to improve soil fertility.
Overall, Adenodolichos macrothyrsus is a versatile plant with various uses and benefits. Its unique appearance and nutritional value make it an excellent addition to any garden or farm.
Growth Conditions for Adenodolichos macrothyrsus (Harms) Harms
Adenodolichos macrothyrsus is a perennial leguminous plant species that is native to tropical Africa. The plant has specific growth conditions that need to be met for optimal growth and development.
Light Requirements
For Adenodolichos macrothyrsus to thrive, it needs a lot of sunlight. The plant requires full exposure to direct light. As such, it is best grown in open areas with little shading. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and poor yield.
Soil Requirements
Adenodolichos macrothyrsus requires well-drained soil. The soil should have good water infiltration properties, and it should not be waterlogged or excessively dry. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, with pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The ideal soil type for the plant is sandy or loamy soil.
Temperature Requirements
Adenodolichos macrothyrsus requires warm temperatures to grow. The plant prefers temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. Temperatures lower or higher than this range may cause stunted growth or affect the plant's crop yield.
Water Requirements
The plant requires moderate amounts of water during the growing season. However, overwatering can lead to root rot. It is advisable to water the plant when the soil surface is dry to a depth of about 2-3 inches. The soil should be kept slightly moist at all times.
Nutrient Requirements
Adenodolichos macrothyrsus requires sufficient nutrients to grow and produce good crop yields. The soil should be adequately fertilized with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilization should be done before planting, and additional fertilizer can be applied during the growing season.
In conclusion, for the optimal growth of Adenodolichos macrothyrsus, growers should provide ample light, well-drained soil, warm temperatures, moderate water, and sufficient nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Adenodolichos macrothyrsus can be cultivated through planting seeds or cuttings. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade and soil that is well-draining for planting. The plant can thrive in a variety of soils, including sandy loam and clay loam. The ideal temperature range for this plant falls between 25-30°C.
Watering needs
Water your Adenodolichos macrothyrsus moderately. The plant requires enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The water needs also vary depending on the climate. During the rainy season, you can cut back on watering, but during the dry season, you may need to water more frequently. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant once a week, but check the soil moisture before watering.
Fertilization
To keep your plant healthy and thriving, fertilize it every two to three months with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer will provide the nutrients required to promote growth and development. You can use organic or chemical fertilizers, but be careful not to over-fertilize your plant. Too much fertilizer can cause damage to the roots and foliage.
Pruning
Prune your Adenodolichos macrothyrsus regularly to keep it from growing too large and to promote bushier growth. You can prune the plant at any time of the year, but the best time is during the early spring. Cut off any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves, stems, and flowers. Prune the branches to shape the plant, and remove any suckers and shoots at the base of the plant to keep it from becoming too bushy.
Propagation of Adenodolichos macrothyrsus
Adenodolichos macrothyrsus (known also as haricot à grandes gousses in French) is a perennial leguminous climber that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is endemic to tropical Africa, where it grows in a wide range of habitats such as riverbanks, forests, and savannas.
Propagation of Adenodolichos macrothyrsus can be done by seeds or cuttings. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the grower's preference and the availability of materials.
Propagation by seeds
Adenodolichos macrothyrsus seeds are readily available in the market and can be sown directly in soil or in pots. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing to increase their germination rate.
The seedlings emerge after 7-10 days and should be transplanted to their permanent location after 2-4 weeks when they have developed a few leaves. The spacing between two plants should be at least 1-2 meters, depending on the cultivar's growth habit.
Propagation by cuttings
Adenodolichos macrothyrsus can also be propagated from stem cuttings taken from mature plants. The cuttings should be 20-25 centimeters long and have at least two nodes.
The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones to increase their chances of rooting. They should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they develop roots, which takes about 2-3 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they should be transplanted to their permanent location.
It's worth noting that Adenodolichos macrothyrsus is sensitive to cold temperatures, and its propagation should be done in warm weather. The plant prefers a warm, humid, and sunny environment and grows well in a loamy soil rich in organic matter.
Disease and Pest Management for Adenodolichos macrothyrsus
Adenodolichos macrothyrsus (Harms) Harms is a leguminous plant that is relatively resistant to many pests and diseases. However, several pests and diseases can still cause damage to the plant, affecting its yield and quality. Here are some common pests and diseases that might affect Adenodolichos macrothyrsus and ways to manage them:
Pests
Aphids: These tiny insects can cause severe damage to the plant by feeding on the sap of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown and curl up. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to spray the plant. Alternatively, you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
Bean Leaf Beetles: These pests can cause significant damage to the leaves of the plant by feeding on them, causing them to turn yellow or brown. To manage them, use insecticides that contain imidacloprid or thiamethoxam.
Cutworms: These pests are active at night and can cause significant damage to the plant by cutting the stem at the soil line. To manage them, use insecticides that contain carbaryl or permethrin.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This disease can cause severe damage to the plant by causing the leaves to turn yellow or brown, and the pods to rot. To manage it, remove and destroy infected plant material, and use fungicides that contain azoxystrobin or chlorothalonil.
Fusarium Wilt: This disease can cause wilting of the plant, especially during hot weather. To manage it, use resistant cultivars, rotate crops, and avoid planting Adenodolichos macrothyrsus in areas where it has previously been affected by the disease.
Powdery Mildew: This disease can cause a powdery white coating on the leaves of the plant, affecting its photosynthesis. To manage it, prune affected areas of the plant, increase air circulation around the plant, and use fungicides that contain myclobutanil or trifloxystrobin.
By identifying and managing pests and diseases that affect Adenodolichos macrothyrsus, you can ensure that your plant has optimal yield and quality.
