Origin of Dolichos Biflorus Auct.
Dolichos biflorus auct. is a type of legume that is believed to have originated in India. It is commonly known as the horse gram or Madras gram, and it has been a staple food in India for thousands of years. The plant is now grown in many other countries in Asia and Africa, and it is used for both food and medicinal purposes.
Common Names of Dolichos Biflorus Auct.
Common names for Dolichos biflorus auct. vary depending on the region. In addition to the horse gram and Madras gram, it is also called the cowpea, Kulthi bean, and hurali in India. In other regions of Asia and Africa, it is referred to as the Bengal gram, Ethiopian bean, and sword bean.
Uses of Dolichos Biflorus Auct.
Dolichos biflorus auct. is used for a variety of purposes. In India, it is commonly eaten as a whole or split pulse, and it is sometimes used to make flour. It is a great source of protein and other essential nutrients, making it an excellent food for vegetarians and vegans. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat a range of health conditions such as asthma, fever, and kidney stones. Additionally, it is used as animal feed in many parts of the world.
General Appearance of Dolichos Biflorus Auct.
The Dolichos biflorus auct. plant is an annual herb that can grow up to one meter in height. It has a slender stem with alternate leaves that are trifoliate or simple. The plant produces small flowers that are white or pale blue with yellow or purple markings. The fruit of the plant is a legume that contains one to three seeds, and the seeds are oval-shaped with a hard coat. The plant thrives in dry conditions and can grow in a wide range of soils.
Light Requirements:
Dolichos biflorus auct. grows best when exposed to bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Too much direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant, causing scorched leaves and stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). It can handle slightly cooler temperatures but should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) as it may cause damage to its roots.
Soil Requirements:
Dolichos biflorus auct. thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (6.0 to 7.0). The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal for this plant, but it can also grow in clay soils with proper drainage. The plant should not be kept in waterlogged or poorly-draining soil as it may cause root rot.
Water Requirements:
This plant prefers consistently moist soil but should not be overwatered. It is important to allow the topsoil to dry out slightly before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. In drier environments or during hotter months, frequent watering may be necessary to maintain optimal soil moisture levels.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos biflorus is a fodder crop that grows well in hot and humid weather, particularly in regions with mild winter weather, such as South Asia. The plant prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seeds or seedlings. The seeds must be sown directly into the planting beds at a depth of 2-3 cm, and the seedlings can be transplanted into the beds after six weeks of germination when they reach a height of 7-10 cm. The plant requires adequate support for vertical growth.
Watering Needs
Dolichos biflorus requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry season. The plant prefers slightly moist soil, but not waterlogged soil. Deep watering once a week is recommended, but it can vary depending on the climatic conditions. Overwatering must be avoided as it may cause root rot.
Fertilization
The plant requires fertile soil and regular application of organic fertilizers like compost, manure, or leaf mold. The application of 2-3 kg of organic fertilizer per square meter before planting and after every crop cycle is recommended. In addition, the use of inorganic fertilizers, specifically nitrogen-rich fertilizers like urea, can encourage vegetative growth, but excessive use must be avoided to prevent plant damage.
Pruning
Dolichos biflorus has a trailing and climbing habit and requires regular pruning to maintain the desired shape and to promote the growth of lateral stems and leaves. The plant must be pruned after every crop cycle and during the early stages of growth, especially when the stem reaches 1-2 meters tall. Pruning involves cutting back the main stem to stimulate horizontal growth and to control excessive vertical growth. This practice also helps to improve the overall plant health and yield.
Propagation methods for Dolichos biflorus auct.
Dolichos biflorus auct., commonly known as Horse gram, can be propagated through various methods. Some of the most common propagation methods for this plant include:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Dolichos biflorus auct. The seeds of this plant are usually sown during the early summer months, after the last frost has passed. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and should be covered with a thin layer of soil, approximately 1/8 inch thick. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 10-15 days.
Cuttings propagation
Horse gram can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the growing season, and should be approximately 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil, and should be kept moist until they root, which usually takes 3-4 weeks.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another method of propagating Dolichos biflorus auct. This method involves creating a cut in the stem of the parent plant, and wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss. The cut should be covered with plastic wrap and tied securely in place. The moss should be kept moist until roots begin to form, which usually takes 3-4 weeks. Once the roots have formed, the new plant can be severed from the parent plant and planted in its own pot.
Division propagation
Division propagation is a simple and effective method of propagating Dolichos biflorus auct. This method involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections, each with its own root system. The divided sections should be replanted in well-draining soil, and should be kept moist until they establish new roots, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Overall, Dolichos biflorus auct. is a hardy and easy-to-propagate plant, making it an ideal choice for novice gardeners and experienced horticulturists alike.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that can affect Dolichos biflorus is damping off caused by soil-borne fungi like Fusarium and Rhizoctonia. The infected seedlings will rot at the base of the stem resulting in the death of the plant before maturity. To manage this disease, it is important to plant the seeds in well-drained soil and ensure that the soil is not overwatered as this can increase the chances of fungal growth. You can also use fungicides during planting to prevent the infection.
Another disease that can affect Dolichos biflorus is powdery mildew. The symptoms of this disease include a white powdery substance on the leaves, stem and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, you can remove the infected foliage and apply fungicides. You can also ensure proper air circulation and avoid overcrowding of the plants as this increases the chances of fungal growth.
Pest Management
The common pests that can affect Dolichos biflorus are aphids and mites. These pests suck the sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth, yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage these pests, you can use insecticidal soaps or oils. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to the garden to control infestation. It is important to inspect the plants regularly and remove any infested parts of the plant to prevent the spread of the pests.
Cutworms and caterpillars can also infest Dolichos biflorus and cause damage to the foliage and flowers. You can manage these pests by using Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural bacterial agent that kills the pests. You can also handpick the pests and remove them from the plant. It is important to keep the garden clean and free from debris as this can provide a habitat for the pests to thrive.
