Overview
Dolichos antunesii Harms, also known as Antunes's Dolichos or Kidney Bean, is a member of the Fabaceae family that is native to Madagascar, where it grows wild in the central highlands around Antananarivo.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 4 meters tall and produces green to brownish-green stems with compound leaves made up of three leaflets on petioles up to 12 cm long. The leaflets are about 6-12 cm long and 4-8 cm wide. The plant produces small, purple or white flowers in clusters of 6-18 blooms from April to October, which are followed by kidney-shaped pods that are 3-7 cm long and contain 2-6 flat, brownish-red or purple seeds.
Uses
The leaves of the Dolichos antunesii Harms are used in traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments. The plant contains flavonoids, saponins, and tannins that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may also have potential as a natural remedy for diabetes. The seeds can be used to make flour, and the roots of the plant can be used as a trap crop to control pests and protect other crops. The plant is also used as an ornamental in gardens due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
Cultivation
Dolichos antunesii Harms can be propagated from seeds, which can be sown directly into the soil after the last frost or started indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. With proper care, the plant can be a beautiful addition to a garden or used for its medicinal properties.
Light requirements
The plant Dolichos antunesii Harms requires a moderate to high amount of sunlight to grow properly. It is recommended to place the plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light per day. If the plant is not receiving enough light, it may become leggy and lose its shape.
Temperature requirements
Dolichos antunesii Harms thrives in warm temperatures and should be kept in an environment that remains between 18-24°C (64-75°F) throughout the year. This plant cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures and should be moved indoors during the colder months if necessary.
Soil requirements
The soil used for Dolichos antunesii Harms should be a water-retaining and well-draining mix that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH of 6 to 7). A good recommendation is using a mix of 2 parts potting soil and 1 part perlite or sand to create a well-draining soil mix. It is crucial to not over-water the plant as it can lead to root rot and damage the plant.
Cultivation of Dolichos antunesii Harms
Dolichos antunesii Harms is a perennial plant that requires a warm and humid climate. It can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions with average temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. To cultivate Dolichos antunesii Harms, start by preparing the soil. The soil should be well-drained and fertile, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Watering Needs of Dolichos antunesii Harms
Dolichos antunesii Harms requires consistent watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently in hot and dry weather. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Dolichos antunesii Harms
Dolichos antunesii Harms requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and produce flowers. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning of Dolichos antunesii Harms
Pruning Dolichos antunesii Harms is not required, but it can help maintain a tidy appearance and promote healthy growth. Prune in early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged stems, as well as any stems that are crossing or overcrowding other stems. Pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Dolichos antunesii Harms
Dolichos antunesii Harms, commonly known as the Antunes's dolichos, is a climbing plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Angola, and it is an ornamental plant due to its pretty pink and white flowers.
Propagating Dolichos antunesii Harms can be done in two ways: by seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Antunes's dolichos is through seeds. Collect mature seeds from the plant during the fall or winter when they are readily available. Soak the seeds in warm water for about 24 hours to soften the seeds' hard coating.
After soaking the seeds, sow them in a seedling tray or pot at a depth of about 1cm. Ensure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the tray under bright but indirect sunlight. The seeds will germinate in about 15 to 20 days.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Dolichos antunesii Harms by stem cuttings is not as common as propagating it with seeds. However, it is a useful technique if you want to ensure that the new plants retain the features of the parent plant.
To propagate using stem cuttings, select healthy stems of about 15cm long from the plant, ideally during the summer. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Fill a pot with a well-draining soil mix and dip the end of the stem cutting into rooting hormone powder. Insert it into the soil and ensure that the soil remains moist. Place the pot under indirect sunlight and within 4-6 weeks, the new plant should have developed its roots.
Whether you are propagating Dolichos antunesii Harms through seeds or stem cuttings, the rooted plants should be transplanted to larger pots or the garden once they are strong enough, and the weather conditions are suitable.
Disease Management for Dolichos antunesii Harms
Dolichos antunesii Harms is commonly affected by several diseases that can stunt its growth and reduce its productivity. It is important to understand these diseases and adopt preventive measures to minimize their impact.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes small, sunken, and water-soaked lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. It can quickly spread throughout the plant, causing leaves to die and reducing yield. The best management strategy for anthracnose is to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plants. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is caused by the Fusarium oxysporum fungus and affects the plant's vascular system, causing it to wilt and ultimately die. The disease spreads through contaminated soil, water, and infected seeds. Crop rotation is an effective strategy to manage Fusarium wilt. It is also advisable to plant resistant varieties of the plant. Application of fungicides is useful where the disease is particularly prevalent.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by various fungal pathogens that attack the roots of the plant, causing them to decay and eventually die. This results in stunted growth and reduced yields. To prevent root rot, proper drainage is crucial. Farmers should also avoid overwatering the plants and ensure adequate air circulation between the plants. Application of fungicides can also help manage the disease.
Pest Management for Dolichos antunesii Harms
The plant is also susceptible to attacks from various pests that can significantly reduce the yield. It is essential to adopt various pest control measures to minimize their impact.
Aphids
Aphids are small, winged insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth. The best management strategy for aphids is to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to combat the pests physically. Crop rotation is also effective in preventing aphids from establishing in the crop.
Bean Beetle
Bean beetle is a common pest that attacks the plant's leaves and pods, causing significant damage. Crop rotation and planting resistant varieties of the plant are good management strategies for Bean beetle. Additionally, farmers can use insecticides to control the pests or physically remove them from infected plants.
Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing discoloration and reduced yields. To manage leafhoppers, farmers can opt for the application of insecticidal soap or neem oil. Maintaining good crop hygiene, avoiding overcrowding, and ensuring aeration between plants by proper spacing can also help reduce the incidence of leafhoppers in the crop.
