Overview of Dolichos biflorus L.
Dolichos biflorus L. is a medicinal and edible plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Africa and Asia, but now found in different parts of the world, including Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. The plant is known for its various medicinal properties and is used extensively in traditional medicine.
Common Names
Dolichos biflorus L. is commonly known by several names such as horse gram, madras gram, and kulthi in India. It is also known as habb al-'amlah in Arabic, bafatou in Wolof, and frijolito in Spanish-speaking countries.
General Appearance
The plant grows to a height of about 2-3 feet and produces small white or purple flowers. It has been used traditionally as a crop for feeding animals, but it is also used as a food and medicinal plant. All parts of the plant are edible, but its seeds are the most commonly consumed part. The seeds are small, oval-shaped, and have a hard coat.
Uses of Dolichos biflorus L.
The plant has been widely used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as diabetes, obesity, kidney stones, menstrual disorders, and asthma. The seeds of Dolichos biflorus L. have been traditionally used for making soups, curries, and other dishes. They are rich in proteins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which provide numerous health benefits.
Besides its medicinal and nutritional value, Dolichos biflorus L. is also used for soil conservation as it has strong roots that prevent soil erosion. It is also used as a green manure crop to improve soil fertility and increase crop yield. Additionally, the plant is used in landscaping due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
Light Requirements
The plant Dolichos biflorus L. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It can also tolerate partial shade, but prolonged exposure to shade can restrict its growth and affect its overall health.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to grow and thrive. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but the ideal range is between 20-35°C (68-95°F). Dolichos biflorus L. cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures, and cold temperatures can severely damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH range between 6.0-7.5. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. However, the soil should be rich in organic matter, and it should not be waterlogged as it can cause root rot and affect the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos biflorus L. is an easy to cultivate plant that can be grown either from seeds or cuttings. The best time to sow seeds is during the spring. The seedlings must be grown in trays with well-drained soil and must be watered regularly. Once the seedlings reach a height of 10 cm, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture. Watering must be done when the topsoil is dry to touch. Overwatering must be avoided as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot. During dry and hot weather, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
The plant requires nutrient-rich soil for optimal growth. Fertilization must be done during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 NPK, every two weeks. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or cow manure, can also be added to the soil to improve soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning is not a necessary step for Dolichos biflorus L., but it can help control the plant's size and promote bushier growth. Pruning must be done during the late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. The plant must be pruned back to half its size, and any dead or damaged branches must be removed.
Propagation of Dolichos biflorus L.
Dolichos biflorus L., commonly known as horse gram, is a legume plant that is native to Southeast Asia and India. The plant can be propagated in different ways, including through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through seeds
The easiest way to propagate Dolichos biflorus L. is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature pods, which have turned brown and dry. The seeds should be soaked in water overnight to soften the hard seed coat. The following day, the soaked seeds should be planted in well-draining soil with a depth of about half an inch. The soil should be kept moist, but not wet, until the seeds germinate, which usually takes between 7 to 10 days.
Propagation through cuttings
Dolichos biflorus L. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems with at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, leaving only two to three leaves at the top. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings establish roots, which usually takes about a month.
Propagation through division
Another way to propagate Dolichos biflorus L. is through division. This method is best done in the spring when the plant is actively growing. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root system should be separated into smaller sections, making sure that each section has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. The divided sections should then be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they establish new roots.
Overall, Dolichos biflorus L. is an easy-to-grow plant that can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division. With proper care, the plant can thrive in a variety of growing conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos Biflorus L.
Dolichos biflorus L. is a legume plant that is commonly grown for its edible seeds. Like any other plant, it is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can hinder growth and reduce it's yield. Proper disease and pest management practices should be implemented to keep the plant healthy and ensure maximum yields.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Dolichos biflorus is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that leaves white powdery patches on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can cause stunted growth and reduce yields. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to avoid overhead watering and to keep the plant well ventilated. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Another disease that can affect Dolichos biflorus is root rot. Root rot is caused by various fungi and bacteria that live in the soil. It causes the roots to decay, making it impossible for the plant to absorb water and nutrients properly. To combat this disease, it is critical to avoid overwatering the plant and to ensure proper drainage. Adding organic matter to the soil can also help to prevent root rot.
Common Pests
The most common pest that can attack Dolichos biflorus is the cowpea aphid. Cowpea aphids can cause severe damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves and stems. They can also spread viruses that can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields. To manage cowpea aphids, it is essential to use insecticides and regularly monitor the plant for infestation.
The pod borer is another common pest that can affect Dolichos biflorus. It is a caterpillar that can cause significant damage to the seeds by feeding on them. To manage the pod borer, it is essential to regularly monitor the plants for infestation and handpick any caterpillars that are found on the plant. Insecticides can also be used to control the pest.
Conclusion
Dolichos biflorus L. is a nutritious plant that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management practices should be implemented to ensure healthy plants and maximum yields. Early detection and appropriate action are essential in managing diseases and pests effectively.
