Overview
Dolichos dubius De Wild. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Leguminosae family. It is commonly known as the Squirting Cucumber due to its unique seed dispersal method.
Origin
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, scrublands, and forests.
Common Names
Dolichos dubius De Wild. is known by different names in various regions. In Africa, it is called Ntengu, while in Southeast Asia, it is known as Kacang Koro. Other common names include Billy Goat Weed, Wild Bean, and Chinese Senna.
Appearance
The plant has thin stems that can grow up to three meters in length with alternate, trifoliate leaves. The leaves are 2-10 cm long and have a pointed tip. The flowers are small, with a light purple or pink color and grow in clusters. The fruit is a cylindrical, green pod that can grow up to 12 cm long. When the pod matures, it splits open with force and squirts out its seeds.
Uses
Various parts of Dolichos dubius De Wild. are used in traditional medicine to relieve constipation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the digestive system. The leaves and stems are used to make poultices to treat skin irritations and wounds. The plant also serves as a food source, as the immature pods and seeds are eaten cooked or raw.
Light Requirements
Dolichos dubius De Wild. is a plant that requires full sunlight exposure for optimum growth and development. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
It thrives well in a warm climate with a temperature range of 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius or above 35 degrees Celsius can adversely affect the growth of this plant.
Soil Requirements
It prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity. The plant can also grow in soil that is slightly sandy or loamy. Avoid planting the Dolichos dubius De Wild. in soils that are prone to waterlogging as this can lead to root rot and eventual death of the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Dolichos dubius De Wild.
Dolichos dubius De Wild., commonly known as the mucuna bean, is a fast-growing vine that can reach up to 20 feet long when if grown correctly. The plant can be cultivated from either seeds or cuttings. The optimal time to plant Dolichos dubius is during the rainy season when the soil is nice and moist.
Sow the seeds about 2-3 inches deep into well-drained soil, spacing them about 6 inches apart from each other. The planting location should receive full sun and partial shade.
If planting from cuttings, obtain a 12-inch long cutting from a mature plant and bury it about 6 inches deep into the soil. Keep the soil moist, and a new vine will grow from the buried stem.
Watering Needs
The mucuna bean requires consistent watering for proper growth, especially during the dry season. The plant needs at least 1 inch of water every week. It is recommended to water the plant until the soil is moist 2-3 inches below the surface.
However, avoid over-watering as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It is best to water in the mornings or evenings when the temperatures are cooler to reduce evaporation rates and water loss.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is essential to ensure the health and growth of the mucuna bean. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season using a well-balanced fertilizer. You can also use compost or organic matter instead of commercial fertilizers.
Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, taking care not to touch the leaves or stem as it can cause burning. Additionally, add a layer of organic mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Pruning
Dolichos dubius De Wild. responds well to pruning. You can prune the plant to control its growth and shape. Additionally, pruning promotes the growth of more branches, which ultimately leads to more flowers and fruits.
Prune the plant after the harvest of the beans, cutting off any dead or diseased branches and stems. You can also clip back the branches to encourage more growth and denser foliage. Cut back to just a bud or leaf joint, and don’t prune more than one-third of the plant at once.
Propagation of Dolichos dubius De Wild.
Dolichos dubius De Wild. is a fast-growing, perennial climbing plant that is widely cultivated for its edible leaves and legumes. The plant can be easily propagated through various methods.
Seed propagation
Dolichos dubius De Wild. can be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be collected from the ripe pods and dried in the sun. The dried seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for later use. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to increase their germination rate. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil in a sunny location. When the seedlings have grown to a height of 10-15 cm, they can be transplanted to their permanent locations.
Cuttings propagation
The plant can also be propagated by cuttings. Mature stems of Dolichos dubius De Wild. can be cut into 15-20 cm pieces and planted in well-drained soil. The cuttings should be kept moist, and after 3-4 weeks, roots will start to develop. Once the roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent locations.
Layering propagation
Another way to propagate Dolichos dubius De Wild. is through layering. Layering is a method of propagation where the stem is covered with soil, and roots develop at the nodes. To propagate the plant using layering, a selected stem should be bent towards the ground, and a small portion of the stem should be buried in the soil. The buried portion should be kept moist, and after a few weeks, roots will develop. The new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos dubius De Wild.
Dolichos dubius De Wild. is susceptible to several diseases and pests which can negatively impact the growth and productivity of the plant. Proper disease and pest management practices are essential to ensure healthy and vigorous plants. Here are some common diseases and pests of Dolichos dubius De Wild. and methods to manage them:
Diseases:
1. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a powdery white coating on leaves and stems. It can reduce the photosynthetic activity of plants, resulting in stunted growth and lower yields. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected plant parts and improve air circulation around the plants. Fungicides might be necessary in severe cases.
2. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of Dolichos dubius De Wild. It can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and pod rot. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy diseased plant parts and avoid overhead irrigation that can promote the spread of the disease. Fungicides might be necessary in severe cases.
3. Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that causes water-soaked lesions on leaves and stems. It can lead to wilting, necrosis, and plant death. To manage bacterial blight, remove and destroy infected plant parts and avoid overhead irrigation that can promote the spread of the disease. Copper-based fungicides might be effective in controlling bacterial blight.
Pests:
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause distorted growth and transmit plant viruses. To manage aphids, wash them off with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can also help control aphids.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. They can proliferate in hot and dry conditions. To manage spider mites, improve air circulation around plants and use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Predatory mites and ladybugs can also help control spider mites.
3. Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing yellowing and stunted growth. They can also transmit plant viruses. To manage leafhoppers, remove and destroy infected plant parts and use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can also help control leafhoppers.
By implementing these disease and pest management practices, farmers can keep Dolichos dubius De Wild. healthy and productive.
