Canavalia Gladiata (jacq.) Dc. Var. Gladiata

Origin

Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. var. gladiata, commonly known as Sword Bean, is a legume plant species that is native to tropical regions of Central and South America.

Common Names

The plant is referred to by various names in different countries, including:

• Sword Bean
• Broad Bean
• Wonderbean
• Hyacinth Bean
• Florida Bean
• Chinese Flowering Bean
• Wild Bean

Uses

The Sword Bean plant has several uses, including:

• Food: The young pods and seeds of the plant are edible and are consumed in various cuisines around the world.
• Animal Feed: The plant is used as animal feed due to its high protein content.
• Green Manure: The plant is used as green manure as it is able to fix nitrogen in the soil.
• Medicine: The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments including asthma, fever, and liver diseases.
• Ornamental Purposes: The plant is grown for its showy flowers which are attractive to pollinators.

General Appearance

The Sword Bean plant is a climbing vine that can grow up to 6 meters in length. It has pinnately compound leaves with 3-7 leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The plant produces showy flowers that are pink, purple or white in color and are about 4 cm in diameter. The fruit of the plant is a long pod that can grow up to 45 cm in length. The pod contains up to 8 seeds that are about 2 cm in length and are glossy and brownish-black in color.

Light Requirements

The Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. var. gladiata plant prefers growing in areas with full sun exposure. Therefore, it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight exposure daily. Insufficient light can lead to weak and spindly plants.

Temperature Requirements

The Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. var. gladiata plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, but the most optimum temperature is between 25°C to 35°C. The plant can tolerate high temperatures ranging from 45°C and low temperatures of 10°C. However, frost or continual temperatures below 10°C can lead to poor plant growth and development.

Soil Requirements

The Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. var. gladiata plant prefers growing in well-drained and fertile soils. The soil PH should range from 5.6 to 6.5 for optimum growth. The plant can also grow on sandy and loamy soils but is not suitable for heavy clay soils. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, and proper soil moisture is essential for the plant's growth and development.

Cultivation

Canavalia gladiata var. gladiata, commonly known as sword bean or jack bean, is an annual legume that is grown for its edible seeds. It is a warm-season crop that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be grown in a wide range of soils, including sandy loam, clay loam, and loam soils.

The ideal time for planting sword bean is in the spring or early summer when the soil temperature has reached about 60 °F. Make sure to select a site with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. The seed should be sown at a depth of 1-2 inches and spaced about 8-10 inches apart. Keep the soil moist and weed-free during the growing season.

Watering Needs

It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. Sword bean has moderate water needs, so it is essential to ensure that it receives enough water throughout the growing season. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.

Fertilization

Sword bean is a legume, so it can fix nitrogen from the air through its roots. Hence, it requires minimal fertilization. However, if the soil is deficient in essential nutrients, you can add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting. Additionally, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season to promote growth and fruiting.

Pruning

Sword bean is a climbing vine that can grow up to 6-10 feet tall. It usually requires support to climb, such as trellises or fences. Pruning is not necessary for sword bean unless the plant is overcrowded or intertwined. In that case, you can remove the overgrown shoots to maintain the plant's shape and encourage better air circulation.

Propagation of Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. var. gladiata

Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. var. gladiata can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The following are the details of the propagation methods:

Sexual Propagation

Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. var. gladiata can be propagated through seed. The following steps can be followed for seed propagation:

• The seeds should be soaked overnight in water before sowing to enhance germination.
• Seeds should be sowed in a mixture of soil and seed compost.
• The soil bed should be kept moist throughout the germination period.
• Germination can take up to 10-12 days, and the seedlings should be transplanted after they reach a height of 10-15 cm.

Asexual Propagation

Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. var. gladiata can also be propagated through asexual methods such as stem cuttings and layering. The following steps can be followed for asexual propagation:

• Stem cuttings of 10-14 cm can be taken from mature plants
• The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone.
• The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of sand and soil, and they should be kept in a warm, humid place to promote root growth.

Propagation of Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. var. gladiata through layering can be accomplished as follows:

• Choose a healthy and mature vine that is flexible enough to bend easily
• A portion of the vine can be selected, and the bark should be peeled gently to expose the cambium layer.
• The exposed portion should be covered with soil, and the soil should be kept moist throughout the rooting process.
• The rooted layer can be separated from the parent vine and transplanted to a separate location.

Both sexual and asexual propagation methods can be used to propagate Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. var. gladiata, and the choice of propagation method should depend on the needs of the individual grower.

Disease Management

Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. var. gladiata is prone to various diseases that can damage the plant and reduce yield. Below are the common diseases that affect this plant and how to manage them:

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects leaves, stems, and pods. It is characterized by small, dark, sunken spots that are circular or irregular in shape. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts. Avoid planting in areas that have a history of anthracnose. Apply fungicides at the first sign of infection.

Root Rot

Root rot is caused by Phytophthora spp. and can cause wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. The fungus thrives in poorly-drained soils. To manage this disease, improve soil drainage by amending with organic matter. Do not overwater the plants. Remove and destroy infected plants. Apply fungicides to the soil before planting.

Mosaic Virus

Mosaic virus is a viral disease that causes yellow mottling on leaves and stunting of the plant. Infected plants have reduced yield. To manage this virus, there is no cure. Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of the virus. Plant resistant varieties.

Pest Management

Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. var. gladiata is also affected by several pests that can cause significant damage. Below are the common pests that affect this plant and how to manage them:

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from leaves, stems, and pods. Infested plant parts become distorted and yellow. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that can kill beneficial insects. Encourage natural enemies of aphids, such as ladybugs and lacewings.

Cutworms

Cutworms are caterpillars that cut seedlings at the base of the stem. To manage cutworms, use physical barriers, such as collars made of cardboard or plastic around the base of the plant. Apply biopesticides that contain Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Handpick and destroy cutworms when you see them.

Leafhoppers

Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that suck sap from leaves and stems. Infested parts turn yellow and have burnt edges. To manage leafhoppers, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove weeds that serve as alternate hosts of the leafhoppers. Encourage natural enemies of leafhoppers, such as spiders and predatory insects.