Origin
Dolichos bequaertii De Wild. is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae (pea family) and is native to Central Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Bequaert's bean, wild bean, and water pea. In some regions of Congo, it is called "Bangia", while in Tanzania, it is called "Mtama wa Pwani".
Uses
The plant is both edible and medicinal. The seeds can be boiled or roasted and are used as a food source by local communities in Central Africa. The leaves of the plant have medicinal properties and are used to treat various ailments such as cough, fever, and stomach problems.
The plant is also used in agroforestry as a cover crop and intercropped with maize, cassava, and sorghum. It helps to improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen from the air and adding organic matter to the soil.
In addition, the plant has potential value in garden landscaping due to its attractive purple and white flowers.
General Appearance
The plant is a climbing or trailing perennial herb that can grow up to 2 meters in height. It has a tough stem covered with small hairs. The leaves are trifoliate and are oval in shape with a pointed tip. The flowers are purple and white and are borne on racemes. The fruit is a long, slender pod that contains the seeds.
Light requirements
The Dolichos bequaertii De Wild. plant prefers bright but indirect light. The plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it may lead to scorching of the leaves. It is recommended that the plant be placed near a window where it can receive bright but filtered light.
Temperature requirements
The plant does well in warm temperatures and cannot tolerate cold conditions. The ideal temperature range for the Dolichos bequaertii De Wild. plant is between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C may lead to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves and even death of the plant.
Soil requirements
The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The Dolichos bequaertii De Wild. plant can grow well in neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as this may lead to root rot. The plant can do well in soil that is slightly dry, and it is recommended that the soil be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
Cultivation Methods for Dolichos bequaertii De Wild.
The plant Dolichos bequaertii De Wild, commonly known as the African yam bean, is a hardy crop that can withstand different climatic conditions. The plant grows well in loamy and well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. It is recommended to prepare the soil in advance by tilling or turning, and then ensuring that any weeds or debris are removed. The plant requires adequate sunlight exposure, and planting should be done during the rainy season.
Watering Needs for Dolichos bequaertii De Wild.
During the growth phase, the plant requires regular and consistent watering. This is especially important during the flowering and pod development stage. It is recommended to water the plants at least twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Overwatering or underwatering the plants can have negative consequences on the yield and overall growth. Mulching is also recommended to help retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization for Dolichos bequaertii De Wild.
The African yam bean plant requires adequate nutrient supply for optimum growth. Prior to planting, it is recommended to add organic manure into the soil. During the growth phase, nitrogen-rich fertilizer is recommended, and can be added when the plant is about six weeks old. Also, adding phosphorous-rich fertilizer is advisable during the flowering stage, to boost pod production. Proper fertilization is crucial in achieving a good yield and crop quality.
Pruning for Dolichos bequaertii De Wild.
Regular pruning of the African yam bean plant is essential to promote growth and productivity. It is recommended to prune the plants when they reach a height of approximately 50 cm, by cutting off the terminal buds at the top of the plant. Additionally, pruning should be done to remove diseased or damaged leaves or stems, which can negatively affect the overall health of the plant. Pruning can also help in controlling the size of the plant.
Propagation of Dolichos bequaertii De Wild.
Dolichos bequaertii De Wild. can be propagated by both vegetative and sexual means. Here are the detailed propagation methods:
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation can be achieved through stem cuttings or layering. Here is a step-by-step process:
- Select healthy donor plants with disease-free shoots and leaves.
- Take stem cuttings from the donor plants with a sharp knife. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long.
- Remove the bottom leaves from the cuttings and dip them in a rooting hormone solution.
- Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil and keep them in a warm and humid environment, away from direct sun.
- After a few weeks, roots will start to develop, and the plant can be transplanted to a bigger container or to its permanent location.
Layering is another vegetative propagation method that can be used for Dolichos bequaertii De Wild. Here is the process:
- Select a healthy and flexible stem from the donor plant.
Sexual propagation
Dolichos bequaertii De Wild. can be propagated via seed propagation as well, here's how:
- Collect pods of matured plants and remove the seeds from them.
- Clean and dry the seeds before planting
- Sow the seeds in a seed tray, in a prepared soil mix with standard spacing.
- Water lightly and cover tray with plastic wrap to retain moisture in soil.
- After germination occurs, remove the wrap and keep seedlings in a bright, and warm environment but not too much sunlight.
- After a few weeks transplant plants to a bigger pot or into a permanent location to grow.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos bequaertii De Wild.
Dolichos bequaertii De Wild is a plant species from the Fabaceae family, commonly known as the climbing bean or cowpea. It is mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, where it is used for food or ornamental purposes. However, like any other plant, Dolichos bequaertii De Wild is susceptible to diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management practices are essential to ensure the plant's growth, productivity, and health.
Common Diseases
The common diseases that affect Dolichos bequaertii De Wild include:
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant, causing them to turn brown or black and eventually fall off.
- Rust: A fungal disease that appears as orange-brown pustules on the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to the deformity of the leaves.
- Mosaic virus: A viral disease that causes yellow-green mottling on the leaves of the plant, retarded growth, and pod deformation.
Pest Management
The common pests that attack Dolichos bequaertii De Wild include:
- Aphids: Tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing yellowing, deformation, and stunt growth.
- Cutworms: Larvae that cut off the young seedlings at the base of the stem, leading to plant death.
- Bean beetles: Beetles that chew on the leaves and pods of the plant, causing holes and defoliation.
Disease Management
To manage the diseases that affect Dolichos bequaertii De Wild, the following disease control measures should be considered:
- Cultural practices: Ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil, avoid overcrowding, and maintain proper spacing of the plants. Also, remove and destroy infected plant debris.
- Chemical control: Fungicides such as copper-based sprays can help control anthracnose and rust.
- Biological control: Some fungi such as Trichoderma spp. can help control fungal diseases.
Pest Management
The following pest management practices should be considered to manage pests that affect Dolichos bequaertii De Wild:
- Cultural practices: Avoid planting in areas with high weed pressure, rotate crops, and practice proper plant hygiene.
- Biological control: Predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can help control aphids. Also, entomopathogenic nematodes can control soil-borne pests such as cutworms.
- Chemical control: Insecticides such as pyrethrins or rotenone can help control bean beetles.
Overall, disease and pest management practices are crucial to promote healthy growth, productivity, and sustainability of Dolichos bequaertii De Wild. Effective control measures combined with proper cultural practices can help manage diseases and pests effectively.
