Overview of Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms
Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms, commonly known as Horse gram, is a nutritious plant belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to southern Asia and has been cultivated in India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and some African countries for centuries.
Appearance of Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms
The plant can grow up to 60-70 cm in height and has small, rounded leaves that are about 2.5 cm in length. The flowers are small and purplish-blue in color, with two flowers per stem. The pods are long and narrow, measuring about 4-10 cm, and contain seeds that are light to dark brown with a smooth surface.
Uses of Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms
The seeds of Horse gram are used in traditional medicine for treating a variety of ailments such as constipation, kidney stones, and menstrual problems. They are also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The plant is used as animal feed for horses, hence the name 'Horse gram'. It is also a popular food crop in some parts of southern India, where it is used to prepare curries, soups, and stews.
In addition to its medicinal and culinary uses, Horse gram has been used as a natural pesticide and as a soil nutrient enhancer due to its nitrogen-fixing capabilities. It is also a drought-tolerant plant and is used in soil conservation practices.
Light Requirements
Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms is a plant that requires full sun to partial shade for its growth. The plant needs at least 6 hours of sun exposure per day to grow and develop. It is best to grow this plant in the areas where it can get direct sunlight in the morning and partial shade in hotter parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures. However, it thrives in warmer climates. The optimum temperature range for Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms growth is between 20°C to 35°C, and it can tolerate a temperature as low as 10°C and as high as 48°C. Extreme temperature fluctuation can affect plant growth and development, so it's essential to maintain a consistent temperature for the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate acidic to neutral soil but has a hard time thriving in alkaline soil. Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms requires moderately fertile soil with good organic matter content. The soil should be rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The ideal soil texture for this plant is a mix of sand and clay. Proper soil preparation is essential before planting to ensure better growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms is a hardy tropical plant that requires a warm, humid climate to thrive. The plant prefers rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The plant should be planted in full sun for maximum growth and production. If grown in a garden, the plant should be spaced at least 6 inches apart. If grown indoors, the plant should be placed in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can lead to wilting. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. During the winter months, the plant should be watered sparingly, only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth with reduced flowering. A slow-release fertilizer can also be used to provide nutrients over a longer period. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months, as the plant is in a dormant stage and does not require as many nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning should be done regularly to maintain the shape of the plant and promote flower production. The plant can be pinched back to promote bushier growth and to prevent it from becoming too leggy. Any dead or diseased leaves should be removed promptly. In general, pruning should be done after flowering has finished, as the plant produces flowers on new growth. The plant can be pruned back to one-third its size to promote new growth and a healthier plant.
Propagation of Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms
Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms, commonly known as horse gram, is a leguminous plant that primarily grows in Southeast Asia and tropical Africa. The plant can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to grow new plants. The seed should be obtained from a reputable supplier to ensure that it is of high quality and disease-free. Before sowing, the seeds must be pre-treated to improve their germination rate. Treatment involves soaking the seeds in water for 12-24 hours or treating them with a fungicide solution to prevent diseases.
Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil that has been appropriately fertilized. The planting depth should be 1-2 inches below the surface of the soil, and the spacing between the seeds should be at least 6 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until the seedlings emerge. The plants should receive adequate sunlight and nutrients to ensure healthy growth.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation, also known as vegetative propagation, involves the use of plant parts to grow new plants. This method is advantageous as it ensures that the new plants are genetically identical to the parent plant, and there is no variation in the traits exhibited.
The most common method of asexual propagation for Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms is through stem cuttings. Cuttings can be obtained from mature, healthy plants by taking 7-10 inch pieces of stem with two or three nodes. The bottom node should be dipped in rooting hormone to stimulate root growth, and the cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mix. The planted cutting should be kept moist and placed in a warm, bright location until roots form. Once roots develop, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms
Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms is commonly known as horse gram and is a legume crop that is grown for animal feed, human food, and as a cover crop. Although it is a resilient plant that can tolerate drought and pests, it is not immune to diseases and pests that can have a negative impact on its growth and yield. To ensure a healthy and productive crop, it is essential to have a disease and pest management plan in place.
Common Diseases
Some of the common diseases that can affect Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms are:
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth in plants. It can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, and infected soil. To prevent root rot in horse gram, it is important to ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant in well-draining soil.
- Mosaic Virus: Mosaic virus is a viral disease that can cause mottled or yellowing leaves in plants. It is transmitted by pests such as aphids and can spread rapidly in a field. To prevent mosaic virus, it is important to control aphids using insecticides, remove infected plants, and plant disease-resistant varieties.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause brown or black spots on leaves. It is caused by wet and humid weather conditions and can spread rapidly in a field. To prevent leaf spot, it is important to avoid overhead watering, remove diseased plant parts, and apply fungicides.
Common Pests
Some of the common pests that can affect Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms are:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and reduced yield in plants. They can also transmit viral diseases such as mosaic virus. To control aphids, it is important to use insecticides, remove infected plants, and practice crop rotation.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillar-like insects that can cut off seedlings at the base of the stem. To prevent cutworms, it is important to remove plant debris, cultivate the soil before planting, and use insecticides.
- Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on plant sap and can cause silvering or bronzing of leaves. They can also transmit viral diseases such as tomato spotted wilt virus. To control thrips, it is important to use insecticides, remove infected plants, and practice crop rotation.
Overall, it is important to practice good crop management practices such as maintaining soil fertility, timely irrigation, and proper weed control to reduce the risk of diseases and pests in Dolichos biflorus L. var. occidentalis Harms.
