Overview of Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek
Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek, also known as Lablab bean or poor man’s bean, is a leguminous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to Africa, but it has become naturalized in several parts of the world, including Asia, Australia, and the Americas. The plant is a valuable source of food, feed, and traditional medicine in many African countries.
General Appearance of Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek
Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek is a semi-woody, twining plant that can grow up to 3 meters long. The stem is dark green, angular, and slightly hairy, while the leaves are trifoliate, with ovate leaflets and pointed tips. The plant produces numerous flowers that are typically purplish-blue or white and arranged in racemes. The fruit is an elongated pod that contains several seeds, which are either white, cream, or light brown.
Common Names of Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek
Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek is known by many common names in different parts of the world. In Africa, it is called Lablab bean, Bonavist bean, Hyacinth bean, Dolichos, or Njakatu. Other common names include Indian bean, Egyptian kidney bean, Tonga bean, and poor man’s bean.
Uses of Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek
Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek has several uses, especially in traditional medicine, food, and feed. In Africa, the plant is used to treat various ailments, such as gonorrhea, snake bites, and fever. Some studies have also shown that the plant has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The plant is also an important source of food and feed for many African communities, as it is rich in protein, carbohydrates, and essential amino acids. Moreover, Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek can be used for soil improvement and erosion control due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Light Requirements
Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek is a sun-loving plant that requires at least six hours of direct sunlight to thrive. A south-facing window would provide the plant with the necessary sunlight, but if natural light is insufficient, it may be supplemented with artificial light. A balance must be created, avoiding too much direct sunlight, which can cause the plant to dry out and get burnt.
Temperature Requirements
The Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek prefers warm temperatures, so it should be kept in a room with a constant temperature of between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius during the daytime and not below 15 degrees Celsius during the nighttime. The plant can struggle to thrive if temperatures fall outside this range. The Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek is a warm-climate plant, and if it is grown in areas with chilly climate conditions, it may require additional care and attention to thrive.
Soil Requirements
The Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek needs to be grown in a soil that is rich in organic matters and well-draining. Mixing sand and perlite into the soil helps it drain faster, preventing the roots from rotting or becoming waterlogged. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Repot the Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek plant every year or two, making sure the new pot has adequate drainage holes and space to accommodate the plant's root system.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek is commonly known as the African dew bean. Cultivation of this plant requires well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The plant thrives best in areas with full sunlight exposure and temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Sowing of the seeds should be done after the last frost, direct into the field at a depth of 2 to 3 centimeters. The plant possesses reasonable tolerance to drought and can survive in harsh climatic conditions, such as sub-Saharan Africa.
Watering Needs
Watering of the African dew bean plant should be done in moderation to avoid over-saturation of the soils. Water application should take place early in the morning to reduce moisture loss through evaporation, thus ensuring optimum soil moisture levels are maintained. In areas where there are insufficient rainfalls, drip irrigation may be applied after every seven days.
Fertilization
The African dew bean plant requires nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which will help enhance its vegetative growth. Incorporation of organic matter, such as manure, to the soils before planting can be beneficial to the plant's growth. In addition, foliar application of urea fertilizer after every two weeks can provide the required nitrogen to the plant. Too much nitrogen can, however, cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning of the African dew bean plant should be done to promote airflow and to control pest infestation. The plant has a tendency to form thick branching, and pruning can help reduce the density of the stems, thus preventing the spread of diseases. Pruning should be done during the early days after planting, and the cut areas should be treated with fungicide to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek
Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek, commonly known as the kidney bean tree, is a perennial woody plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The following are the propagation methods for this plant:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating kidney bean trees is through seeds. Sow seeds in a seed-raising mix during spring. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of the mix. Keep the mix moist and place the seeds in a warm, sunny spot. Germination will occur within 2-3 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek can be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. Take a 10-15 cm long cutting from the current season's growth during late summer or early autumn. Remove the leaves from the bottom third of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting deeply in a pot filled with a mixture of perlite and peat moss. Keep the soil moist and in indirect light. Roots should develop within 2-3 months.
Division Propagation
Division can be used to propagate kidney bean trees that have developed into clumps. Lift the plant and divide the clumps into smaller sections. Plant the smaller sections in well-draining soil and water them well. Keep the soil moist and in indirect light to help the sections develop strong roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek
Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek, also known as Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet, is a legume plant that is widely cultivated for its edible seeds and leaves. Like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can damage the plant and reduce its yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant, causing dark lesions that may spread and eventually kill the affected parts. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts as soon as possible, and apply a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Rust: This is another fungal disease that can cause orange or reddish-brown spots on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. The affected parts may also become distorted and eventually die off. To manage rust, remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply a fungicide as needed.
Bacterial blight: This is a bacterial disease that can cause water-soaked lesions on the leaves and stems of the plant, which may eventually turn brown and die off. To manage bacterial blight, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and avoid watering the plant from above, as this can spread the bacteria.
Common Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that may feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and deformation of pods. To manage aphids, wash the affected parts with a strong jet of water, or apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Bean beetle: This is a small, brown beetle that may feed on the leaves and pods of the plant, causing holes and defoliation. To manage bean beetles, handpick them off the plant when possible, or apply an insecticide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Cutworms: These are caterpillars that may feed on the stems of the plant, causing them to wilt and die off. To manage cutworms, handpick them off the plant when possible, or apply a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
By applying these disease and pest management strategies, you can help protect your Dolichos africanus R.Wilczek plants and promote healthy growth and yield.
