Overview
Dolichos complanatus De Wild. is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the flattened cowpea and is native to tropical Africa.
Appearance
The flattened cowpea is an annual vine that can grow up to 3 meters in length. The stems are slender and round, with hairy tendrils that aid in climbing. The leaves are trifoliate, with oval leaflets that are about 2-5 cm long. The flowers are pale purple and are borne in clusters that arise from the leaf axils. The fruit is a pod that is flattened, hairy, and slightly curved, about 7-13 cm long and 1 cm wide.
Common Names
The flattened cowpea is known by various common names in different regions of Africa. In Nigeria, it is called agbara, and in Ghana, it is known as akp?t?shi. Other common names for this plant include iron pod bean and wild bean.
Uses
The flattened cowpea is used in traditional medicine for various purposes. The roots and leaves are said to have medicinal properties and are used in the treatment of various ailments such as stomach pains, dysentery, and fever. The plant also has applications in agriculture, where it is grown as a cover crop to fix nitrogen in the soil and improve soil fertility. In addition, the flattened cowpea is consumed as a food crop in some regions, where the young pods and seeds are used in soups and stews.
Growth Conditions for Dolichos Complanatus De Wild.
The plant Dolichos complanatus De Wild. typically grows in warm, tropical regions and can thrive in a variety of environments, including disturbed areas and natural habitats. The following are the growth conditions necessary for the optimal growth of Dolichos complanatus De Wild.
Light Requirements
Dolichos complanatus De Wild. requires plenty of sunlight to grow and thrive. The plant must be exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Partial shade may also be tolerated but should not exceed 50% of the total sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm to hot climates with temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 °C (68 to 95 °F). The minimum temperature the plant can tolerate is 10°C (50°F). Temperatures below this limit may cause slow growth or even death.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with moderate fertility levels. Soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for the plant's growth. The soil must be rich in organic matter and should be able to retain moisture without getting waterlogged.
In conclusion, to achieve optimal growth and development of Dolichos complanatus De Wild., the plant requires sufficient sunlight exposure, moderate temperatures, and well-draining soils rich in organic matter.
Cultivation of Dolichos complanatus De Wild.
Dolichos complanatus De Wild. is a perennial plant that requires some attention and care to thrive fully. The following are some guidelines for cultivating and caring for the plant effectively.
Soil and Light Requirements
The plant thrives well in well-drained soils and requires ample sunlight. It can do well in both dry and moist soils, but regular watering is necessary in dry soil conditions.
Watering Needs
While Dolichos complanatus De Wild. can withstand dry soil conditions, regular watering is imperative for optimal growth. Water the plant once a week, and ensure the water penetrates at least six inches into the soil to prevent shallow rooting.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant during the growing season, typically from spring to fall, with an all-purpose fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months. Fertilization helps to replenish the nutrients in the soil, which the plant needs for healthy growth.
Pruning
Prune the plant once every year, during the dormant period, which is usually during the winter months. Remove any dead or dry stems and leaves to encourage new growth and give the plant a neat appearance.
Following the above guidelines, you can successfully cultivate and care for Dolichos complanatus De Wild. and enjoy healthy, robust plants that will beautify your garden.
Propagation of Dolichos Complanatus De Wild.
Dolichos complanatus De Wild., commonly known as the flat-pod bean, is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a wild edible herb that is popularly consumed in many African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. The plant can be propagated both sexually and asexually. The following are the methods used for propagating Dolichos complanatus De Wild:
Seed Propagation
The most common method for propagating Dolichos complanatus De Wild., is through seed propagation. The seeds are harvested from mature pods and selected for uniformity in size and shape. The seeds are then treated with a fungicide to prevent seed-borne diseases. Sow the seeds 1-2 cm deep in well-drained soil. Cover the soil surface with a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture. Germination occurs in 7-10 days, and regular weeding is necessary to prevent the seedlings from competing with weeds for nutrients.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Dolichos complanatus De Wild., can also be propagated through stem cuttings. A mature, healthy stem is selected, and a clean cut is made just below a node. The stem cutting is dipped into rooting hormone, and then planted in a potting medium consisting of equal parts of sand and peat moss. The cutting is placed in a warm, well-lit area and watered regularly. The cutting will start to root within 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted to its permanent growing location once it has established roots.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagating Dolichos complanatus De Wild., is through division. This method involves dividing a mature plant into smaller sections. To do this, the plant is carefully dug up, and the root system is separated into several sections. Each section should have at least one stem and a viable root system. The divided sections are then planted in well-draining soil and watered regularly. This method is best done during the plant's dormant period.
There are several methods available for propagating Dolichos complanatus De Wild., and selecting the best method will depend on various factors such as the availability of seeds or plant material, time of year, and growing conditions. With proper care, plants propagated through any of these methods can produce a bountiful harvest.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos Complanatus De Wild
Dolichos Complanatus De Wild., also known as the flatbean or the winged bean, is a highly nutritious plant. However, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which can damage the plant and reduce yield. It is essential to manage these pests and diseases to keep the plant healthy and ensure maximum crop productivity.
Common Diseases of Dolichos Complanatus De Wild
Certain diseases can affect Dolichos Complanatus De Wild., causing significant damage to the plant and reducing crop productivity. Some of the common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This disease affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant, causing lesions to form. It can also lead to premature leaf drop and reduce yield. To manage anthracnose, ensure proper sanitation practices, avoid planting in areas with a history of the disease, and use fungicides.
- Bacterial blight: This disease causes water-soaked spots on the leaves and stems of the plant and can lead to the rotting of different parts. It can also reduce the yield of the plant. To manage bacterial blight, remove the infected parts of the plant, ensure proper sanitation practices, and plant disease-resistant varieties of the plant.
- Mosaic Virus: This disease causes yellow streaks and mottling on the leaves and reduces the yield of the plant. To manage mosaic viruses, prevent aphid infestation and avoid planting in areas with a history of viral infection.
Common Pests of Dolichos Complanatus De Wild
Dolichos Complanatus De Wild. is also susceptible to pests, which can damage the plant and reduce yield. Some of the common pests that affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These tiny insects suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticides and natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Leaf miners: These insects tunnel into the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage leaf miners, use insecticides and remove the affected parts of the plant.
- Cutworms: These pests cut the stems of the plant, causing it to collapse. To manage cutworms, remove weeds from the area, plant at the appropriate time, and use insecticides.
Overall, good cultural practices such as proper irrigation and fertilization, timely harvest, and crop rotation can go a long way in preventing pest and disease infestation in Dolichos Complanatus De Wild. Observing the plant regularly and taking appropriate measures at the earliest sign of pest or disease damage can also help manage them effectively.
