Overview
Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii (Harms) F.J. Herm. is a species of legume that is known by several common names such as Hagenbeck's Peanut, Hagenbeck Peanut, and Hagenbeck's Bambara groundnut. It is native to tropical Africa and is commonly grown as a pasture and forage crop in different countries including the United States, Australia, and South Africa. The plant is known for its exceptional tolerance in acidic soils, drought, and marginal land; therefore, it is highly favored by farmers as a soil-improving crop plant.
Appearance
The plant Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii (Harms) F.J. Herm. is a perennial legume that grows up to one meter tall. It has a prostrate or erect growth form and produces underground tubers. The stems are slender, hairy, and have many branches with leaves that are green, smooth, and trifoliate. The flowers of the plant are small and light purple, pink, or blue in color. They are clustered in axillary racemes and produce fruits that are about 2 cm long and contain one to three seeds.
Uses
Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii (Harms) F.J. Herm. is an important crop plant that is grown for its high-quality forage for livestock and soil improvement properties. It can be used as a cover crop, a companion crop, in grass-legume mixtures for pasture, hay, and silage production. The plant is also used in agroforestry systems and soil conservation practices. In addition, the seeds of Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii (Harms) F.J. Herm. are edible and can be used in culinary preparations similar to other peanuts. However, it is not commonly consumed by humans due to its small size and lower yields compared to other peanut species.
Light Requirements
Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii (Harms) F.J. Herm. typically grows in full sun to partial shade environments. In order to thrive, it requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is important to note that too much direct sunlight can damage the plant, and so partial shade is optimal if the climate is hot and dry.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii (Harms) F.J. Herm. is between 18°C to 28°C. The plant can tolerate higher temperatures if it receives regular rainfall or is watered adequately. Frost should be avoided as it can damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. It prefers sandy or loamy soils but can grow in other types of soils as long as they are well-draining. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist, but the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil to improve its nutrition and moisture retention capacity.
Cultivation
Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii (Harms) F.J. Herm., commonly known as Hagenbeck's peanut grass, can be cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions. It prefers well-drained, sandy-loamy soils with a neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can grow in full sun or partial shade. Seeds can be sown directly in the ground or transplanted from seedlings.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. It is recommended to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot. A watering schedule of once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, is ideal for the plant's growth and development.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to ensure optimal growth and yield. The plant requires nitrogen-rich fertilizers to promote vegetative growth. It is recommended to apply fertilizers at the beginning of the growing season and during the flowering stage. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 is ideal for the plant's nutrient requirements.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the plant's growth, but it can be done to encourage bushier growth and enhance its appearance. Pruning can be done by cutting the top of the plant or removing dead or diseased leaves or stems. It is advised to prune the plant in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce heat stress on the plant.
Propagation of Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii (Harms) F.J. Herm.
Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii (Harms) F.J. Herm., commonly known as Hagenbeck's peanut, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds are the primary method of sexual propagation for Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii. The seeds develop within the pods that form after the plant has been pollinated. The seeds can be collected from mature pods once they have dried on the plant, but it is important to collect them before they shatter and are lost. Once collected, the seeds can be cleaned, sorted, and stored prior to planting. When planting, the seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and spaced approximately 10-15 cm apart. Grown in this way, Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii will reach maturity in approximately 3-4 months.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii can be achieved through division or vegetative cuttings.
Division involves separating the roots and shoots of an established plant and planting them as separate individuals. This method is straightforward but can be damaging to the parent plant if not done correctly. The best time to divide Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii is during its growing season.
Vegetative cuttings involve taking a stem cutting from a mature Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii plant and planting it in a rooting medium. The cutting should be approximately 10-15 cm in length and should be taken from a healthy, disease-free plant. Once planted, the cutting should be kept moist and warm until it has developed roots and new growth has appeared. This method can be more time-consuming than division, but it is less damaging to the parent plant, and the resulting plant can have characteristics identical to the parent.
Disease Management
Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii (Harms) F.J. Herm. may be susceptible to various diseases, including foliar fungi, soilborne fungi, and viruses. To manage foliar fungi, consider removing the affected leaves and improving air circulation by pruning. Applying fungicides can also be effective when done early and consistently. For soilborne fungi, crop rotation, and maintaining good soil drainage can help prevent their spread. Viruses are challenging to manage, so prevention measures such as using virus-free seed and controlling insect vectors can help limit their impact.
Pest Management
Arachis glabrata Benth. var. hagenbeckii (Harms) F.J. Herm. may also face pest problems, including leafhoppers, aphids, and mites. To manage leafhoppers and aphids, consider using insecticidal soaps or oils, or releasing natural predators such as ladybugs. Neem oil can also be a useful deterrent. Mites are small and hard to see, so scouting for them routinely is important. Consider using miticides to manage infestations.
