Overview
Dolichos angularis Willd. is a legume plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is also known by various common names such as horse gram, kulthi bean, and Madras gram. The plant is native to tropical regions of Asia, India, and Sri Lanka. The plant has been used in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. The plant is mainly grown for its edible seeds, which are high in protein, fibers, and minerals.
Appearance
The Dolichos angularis Willd. plant is a small, erect, and bushy annual or perennial herb, which can grow up to 60 cm in height. The plant has trifoliate leaves, which are dark green in color, long, and narrow. The flowers of the plant are small, clustered, and white in color. The fruit of the plant is a small, oblong pod, which contains one or two seeds. The seeds are small, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown in color.
Uses
The seeds of Dolichos angularis Willd. are used in various culinary preparations, mainly in Indian and Asian cuisine. The seeds are a rich source of protein, fibers, iron, phosphorus, and calcium. The seeds are used to prepare a variety of dishes, such as soups, curries, stews, and sprouts. The sprouted seeds are also used in salads and sandwiches. Besides its culinary uses, the plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various health ailments, such as cold, cough, fever, asthma, and diabetes.
The plant is also used as animal feed, green manure, and soil improvement crop due to its nitrogen-fixing properties. The plant helps enrich the soil and increase its fertility. The plant is also used as ornamental and decorative plant due to its beautiful and vibrant flowers.
Conclusion
Dolichos angularis Willd. is a versatile plant that is valued for its edible seeds, medicinal properties, and soil-improvement abilities. The plant is easy to grow, requires little maintenance, and can thrive in various soil and climatic conditions. The plant's nutritional composition and medicinal benefits make it a valuable food source and traditional medicine ingredient. The plant's ability to improve the soil fertility and enhance the environment makes it a sustainable and eco-friendly crop.
Light Requirements
Dolichos angularis requires a significant amount of sunlight exposure to grow healthily. This plant species thrives well in bright, sunny locations where it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It is not suitable for low light conditions or shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species does well in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. It is not suitable for cold temperatures below 15°C.
Soil Requirements
Dolichos angularis performs best in loamy, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be deeply tilled and moist, but not waterlogged or too wet. It is not suitable for poorly drained or compacted soil.
Cultivation Methods for Dolichos angularis Willd.
Dolichos angularis Willd., also known as the hyacinth bean or lablab bean, is a tropical plant that grows well in warm and humid environments. For best results, plant the seeds in well-drained soil that receives full sun exposure. The plant grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9 and above, but can also be grown as an annual in cooler climates.
Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart. The seedlings will emerge in 7-10 days and can be thinned out to one plant per foot of row once they reach 3-4 inches tall.
Provide support for the plant to climb, such as a trellis or a pole. The plant can grow up to 20 feet long.
Watering Needs for Dolichos angularis Willd.
Dolichos angularis Willd. needs regular watering, especially during the summer months. Water the plants deeply once a week or more often during hot, dry weather. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Avoid overhead watering as it can promote the growth of fungal diseases. Instead, water the base of the plant or use drip irrigation.
Reduce watering during the fall months to prevent the pods from splitting.
Fertilization of Dolichos angularis Willd.
Dolichos angularis Willd. benefits from regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and increased yield. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season, starting when the plant begins to produce flowers. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the recommended amount to use.
Pruning Dolichos angularis Willd.
Dolichos angularis Willd. requires minimal pruning. However, to encourage the growth of new shoots and pods, remove the tips of the main stems once the plant reaches the desired height.
If the plant becomes too leggy and starts to produce fewer pods, prune back the side shoots to encourage new growth.
Remove any dead or diseased branches as soon as you notice them to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Dolichos angularis Willd.
Dolichos angularis Willd. is commonly known as Chinese long bean. It is a warm-season annual plant that is native to Southeast Asia. The plant is grown for its long edible pods that are usually eaten when immature.
Propagation Methods
Dolichos angularis Willd. can be propagated by two main methods:
- Direct Sowing: This method involves planting of seeds directly into the soil. The seeds are sown at a depth of about 1 inch and 4 to 6 inches apart. This method is useful in areas where the soil is warm enough for seed germination to occur quickly. It is also useful in areas where pests do not attack seedlings.
- Transplanting: This method involves starting the seeds in small pots or trays before planting them in the garden. Seeds are sown in pots or trays in well-drained, fertile soil and kept in warm, bright conditions. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are between 3 to 4 weeks old and have developed sturdy stems and roots.
The best time to plant Dolichos angularis Willd. is in late spring or early summer, when the soil temperature is between 70°F to 80°F. The plant requires warm soil to germinate and grow, and the optimum temperature range for growth is between 70°F to 95?.
Dolichos angularis Willd. requires adequate water and fertile soil to grow. Water the plant regularly and add organic fertilizers to the soil to ensure that the plant has all the nutrients it needs to grow healthy.
The plant reaches maturity in about 70 to 100 days after planting. Harvest the young pods regularly to encourage more pod development. The pods should be harvested when they are about 4 to 6 inches long as they become tough and fibrous with age.
Dolichos angularis Willd. is an easy-to-grow plant that can be grown in small gardens and containers. With the right propagation method and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious Chinese long beans.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos angularis Willd.
Dolichos angularis Willd., commonly known as hyacinth bean, is a legume plant that is commonly grown for food and ornamental purposes. Unfortunately, like all plants, this species is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can cause significant yield losses. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and some suggestions for managing them.
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases: The plant is susceptible to various fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause leaves to appear whitish-gray and powdery. Rust, on the other hand, causes brownish-yellow spots on leaves and stems. To manage fungal diseases, it is crucial to maintain good airflow in the plant's growing environment, regularly prune off any diseased plant parts, and treat the plant with appropriate fungicides.
Bacterial diseases: Bacterial blight is a common disease that affects the hyacinth bean plant. The disease is characterized by water-soaked lesions on leaves, stems, and pods. Bacterial blight is spread by water and can cause significant yield losses. To control bacterial blight, farmers should plant disease-resistant varieties, maintain proper crop hygiene, and avoid planting in low-lying areas where water accumulates for long periods.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves. The plant may experience stunted growth and even death if the infestation is severe. To control aphids, farmers can introduce beneficial insects that feed on aphids, such as ladybugs or lacewings. If this doesn't work, then insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used.
Bean pod borer: The bean pod borer is a significant pest that causes extensive damage to the plant's reproductive structures, resulting in reduced yield. The insect larvae bore holes in the pods and feed on the developing seeds. To control the bean pod borer, farmers can use appropriate insecticides or release parasitic wasps that feed on the insect larvae.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is crucial for maintaining high yields of Dolichos angularis Willd. As such, it is essential to implement appropriate preventive measures, such as using disease-resistant varieties, maintaining proper crop hygiene, and using appropriate pest control strategies, to ensure that the plant remains healthy and productive.
