Origin
Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii is commonly known as Schlieben’s joint vetch and can be found in several countries in Africa. This plant is native to Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Common Names
Besides Schlieben’s joint vetch, the plant is also referred to as the club vetch, joint pod vetch, or the two-leaf joint vetch.
General Appearance
Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii is a perennial plant that grows to a height of 0.5 to 3 meters. Its stems are hollow and have joints that give the plant its common name. Its leaves are compound, which means they are made up of leaflets arranged opposite each other along a central stem. The leaflets are ovate or elliptical shaped and can grow to a length of up to 13 cm. The plant’s flowers are yellow and occur in short racemes which can be upright or drooping. The yellow flowers eventually develop into pods that are flattened, curved, and hairy.
Uses
Schlieben’s joint vetch has several agricultural benefits. The plant is a legume and as such can fix nitrogen which is important for soil fertility. This plant is used as a forage crop for livestock due to its high protein content. The protein content in the plant has also led to its use in conservation agriculture. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat fever and rheumatism.
Light Requirements
Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii thrives in full sunlight, partly shaded areas or shaded areas. However, young plants grow better under shaded regions and gradually adapt to full sunlight as they mature.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers average to high temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. However, it can also grow in temperatures as low as 15°C to 18°C. At temperatures below 15°C, the growth of the plant slows down, and below 10°C, its development stops.
Soil Requirements
Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii is adapted to soils that are heavy, clayey, and poorly drained. The plant can also thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH of 4.5-7.5 and tolerates soils with low fertility levels. The species prefers soils that have high water content, and if waterlogged, ensures that there is sufficient oxygen by the existence of aerenchyma in the stem and leaves.
Cultivation Methods
Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii is a leguminous plant that thrives in warm climates and well-drained soils. This plant variety requires full sunlight exposure and is drought-resistant. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
The seeds can be sown in individual containers or directly in the ground. The best period for planting is during the rainy season. The spacing between the plants should be about 50 to 80 cm apart. Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii can be grown as a cover crop, intercrop, or stand-alone crop.
Watering Needs
Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii is a drought-tolerant plant variety that requires minimal watering. It can survive in areas with high temperatures and low rainfall. However, in dry regions, it needs to be irrigated at least once a week.
The plant should be watered in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation. Overwatering can cause root rot and affect the overall growth of the plant. Hence, it is essential to water the plant moderately and ensure that the soil is well-drained.
Fertilization
Being a leguminous plant, Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii can fix atmospheric nitrogen through its root nodules. However, it also requires other essential nutrients for optimum growth and yield.
Before planting, it is recommended to add organic matter such as compost or farmyard manure to improve the soil fertility. During the growth period, the plant can be fertilized with nitrogen-based fertilizers such as urea or ammonium nitrate, but in moderation. This will enhance plant growth and yield more pods with seeds that are high in nutritional value.
Pruning
Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii requires minimal pruning since it is a self-supporting plant. However, pruning can be done to remove dead or damaged branches and leaves. This will help to maintain the plant's overall health and appearance.
Pruning can also be done to control the plant's size and shape. It is recommended to prune after the harvesting period to avoid affecting the yield. It is also essential to sterilize the pruning tools before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii
Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii, commonly known as a West African clover, is a fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing legume found in African wetlands. It is a valuable forage crop and can be propagated by various methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common propagation methods for Aeschynomene schliebenii is through seeds. The seeds are sown directly in the field or in a nursery bed. The ideal time for sowing is at the onset of the rainy season, as the plant requires adequate moisture for establishment.
Before sowing, the seeds are usually treated with a fungicide or insecticide to prevent seed-borne diseases and pest attacks. The seeds are then sown at a depth of 3-4 cm and spaced apart at 10-15 cm. After germination, the seedlings are thinned to a spacing of 30 cm.
Cutting Propagation
Another method of propagating Aeschynomene schliebenii is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the mother plant and rooting them to produce new plants. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and preferably from the softwood region of the stem.
The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings are then dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining medium. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, humid area until roots develop.
Division Propagation
Division propagation involves dividing the root crown of a mature Aeschynomene schliebenii plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This method is usually done at the end of the growing season when the plant has finished flowering and is about to go dormant.
To divide the plant, the soil around the roots is carefully removed, and the root crown is separated into smaller sections with a sharp, sterile knife. Each section should have at least one shoot and a sufficient root system. The sections are then replanted in well-draining soil and watered thoroughly.
Overall, Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii can be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, or division. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on the availability of the plant material and the specific requirements of the grower.
Disease and Pest Management for Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii
Aeschynomene schliebenii Harms var. schliebenii, commonly known as the Crushvine, is a leguminous plant native to African grasslands. Like most plants, the Crushvine is susceptible to certain diseases and pests, which can impede its growth and affect its overall health. Proper disease and pest management strategies can help prevent and control these issues.
Common Diseases
The Crushvine is susceptible to a range of fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by fungi and can cause wilting, leaf yellowing, and necrosis.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi and can cause stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting.
- Bacterial wilt: This disease is caused by bacteria and can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves, followed by the plant's death.
- Mosaic virus: This viral infection can cause mottling or yellowing of the leaves.
Pest Infestations
Aside from diseases, the Crushvine can also be affected by certain pests:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the leaves and stems, which can cause yellowing and curling of leaves and growth reduction.
- Thrips: These tiny insects feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruits, leaving behind black fecal spots and causing deformation or discoloration of plant parts.
- Whiteflies: These small, winged insects suck sap and secrete honeydew, which causes sooty mold and growth reduction.
Management Strategies
To prevent and control diseases and pests, it is essential to take some proactive measures:
- Cultural practices: Ensure good plant hygiene, regular weeding, and proper irrigation to promote plant vigor and minimize disease and pest infestation.
- Biological control: Release natural enemies of pests, such as ladybugs or lacewing larvae, and use disease-resistant cultivars when available.
- Chemical control: Use pesticides judiciously and according to label instructions to avoid harming non-target organisms.
Overall, proper disease and pest management practices can help keep the Crushvine healthy and thriving, promoting its growth and production.
