Overview
Dolichos brachypterus Harms is a leguminous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a herbaceous annual plant with long, thin stems that can grow up to 2 meters in length. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and is commonly found in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Uganda.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names depending on the region. In Nigeria, it is called "Akidi" or "Mamose" while in Cameroon, it is known as "Akidi Nkwen" or "Nyimo." In Uganda, it is called "Ngitiri" or "Enjiri."
Appearance
The plant has long, thin stems that can grow up to 2 meters in length. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet measuring 3-7 cm in length. The flowers are pink or purple in color and are arranged in clusters. The fruits are hairy pods that measure 5-10 cm in length and 1-1.5 cm in width.
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat several ailments such as cough, constipation, and diarrhea. The seeds are also used to make a nutritious food that can be boiled, roasted or fried. In addition, the plant is also used as a green manure crop to improve soil fertility.
Light Requirements
The Dolichos brachypterus Harms plant requires plenty of sunlight to grow well. It is a sun-loving plant that needs to bask in the sunlight for several hours every day. Therefore, it should be placed in a location that receives full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours daily.
Temperature Requirements
The Dolichos brachypterus Harms plant grows well in warm weather. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, where the temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C. The minimum temperature required for its growth is around 18°C. The plant cannot withstand frost or extremely low temperatures, which may damage its leaves and roots.
Soil Requirements
The Dolichos brachypterus Harms plant grows well in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. The plant requires a soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to maintain proper drainage as the plant cannot grow well in waterlogged soil. Adding compost or manure can improve soil fertility, which will help the plant grow better.
Cultivation
Dolichos brachypterus Harms is a tropical plant that grows best in warm and humid conditions. Although it can thrive in different types of soil, it prefers well-draining soil that retains moisture.
It is best to plant the Dolichos brachypterus Harms during the spring season. It requires a lot of sunlight, so it should be planted in a spot that receives ample sunshine throughout the day. The plant can also be grown indoors, provided that it receives enough natural light.
Watering Needs
Water the Dolichos brachypterus Harms regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. During the dry season, you may have to water more frequently, preferably early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Fertilization
The Dolichos brachypterus Harms plant requires a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. You can use a slow-release fertilizer every two months to ensure that the plant receives enough nutrients to thrive. During the growing season, you may need to fertilize the plant more frequently.
Pruning
Pruning Dolichos brachypterus Harms is optional, but it can help keep the plant in shape and promote new growth. You can prune the plant to remove dead or diseased branches or to keep it at a manageable size. Make sure to use sterile pruning tools to avoid spreading diseases, and prune during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation Methods of Dolichos brachypterus Harms
Dolichos brachypterus Harms, commonly known as the Winged-Bean, is a tropical vine that boasts of high protein content in its seeds. Propagation of this plant can be done in several ways, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Dolichos brachypterus Harms can easily be collected from mature pods that have turned brown. Since the seeds have a hard seed coat, it is advisable to scarify them slightly with sandpaper or a file before planting them. This process helps to hasten the germination process by allowing moisture to penetrate the seed coat.
Sow the seeds in well-drained soil mixed with compost, and keep the soil moist until germination occurs. Germination of the seeds may take up to 14 days, after which the seedlings can be transferred to their permanent bed.
Cutting Propagation
Dolichos brachypterus Harms can also be propagated via cuttings. This method of propagation is preferable for gardeners who want to ensure the same genetic makeup in the offspring plant.
Cut a stem from an established plant, ensuring that it has at least three nodes. Remove all the leaves from the lower two nodes of the stem, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot with well-drained soil, and keep it moist while it develops roots. Once the roots have formed, transfer the new plant into its permanent bed.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Dolichos brachypterus Harms. It involves the creation of a new plant from a stem that is still attached to the parent plant.
Select a healthy stem and make a small wound on it. Apply rooting hormone to the wound, and cover it with moist moss. After a while, roots will start to form. Once roots have developed, cut the stem below the moss and transfer the new plant to its permanent bed.
In conclusion, Dolichos brachypterus Harms can be propagated through seed, cuttings, and air layering. Each method has its benefits and challenges, and gardeners are free to choose the method that best suits their preferences and circumstances.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos brachypterus Harms
Dolichos brachypterus Harms, commonly known as the African yam bean, is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, just like other plants, the African yam bean may be susceptible to some pests and diseases that can negatively impact its growth and reduce yield if not managed properly. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Dolichos brachypterus and suggestions on how to manage them.
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, stems, and pods of the African yam bean. Infected areas appear as small, sunken, and water-soaked spots that gradually enlarge and turn dark. To manage anthracnose, you should practice proper crop rotation that involves planting different crops in the same field to reduce the buildup of fungal spores. You could also use fungicides (e.g., copper-based fungicides) when necessary to control the disease.
2. Bacterial blight: This is another disease caused by bacteria that usually affect the leaves and stems of the African yam bean. Symptoms include water-soaked lesions surrounded by yellow halos, which eventually turn brown and dark. To manage bacterial blight, you should remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease. Also, avoid overwatering the plants and minimize leaf wetness by watering from the base.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the African yam bean. Infested plants often show signs of stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting. To manage aphids, you should promote natural predators (e.g., ladybugs, lacewings) by planting companion plants that attract them. You could also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the aphids.
2. Bean beetles: These are small, shiny beetles that feed on both the leaves and pods of the African yam bean. Infested plants show signs of defoliation, pod damage, and poor yields. To manage bean beetles, you should remove and destroy infested plants and apply insecticides (e.g., pyrethroids) if necessary.
In conclusion, to protect your Dolichos brachypterus from pests and diseases, it is advisable to scout your plants regularly for any signs of infestation or infection. Early detection and proper management practices could help reduce the impact of pests and diseases, thus improving the yield and quality of the African yam bean.
