Overview of Dolichos eminiana Taub.
Dolichos eminiana Taub. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae and is native to tropical regions of Africa. It is commonly referred to as the Emin’s dolichos, white kidney bean, lablab or macassar bean among other names. The plant has been used traditionally in folk medicine and is known for its medicinal properties.
Appearance of Dolichos eminiana Taub.
Dolichos eminiana Taub. is a climbing, perennial plant that grows up to two meters high. The leaves are trifoliate, with ovate to lanceolate leaflets, and can reach up to 15cm long. The plant produces racemes of white, pink or purplecolored flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The fruit is a pod that is straight or slightly curved, containing flattened, kidney-shaped seeds.
Uses of Dolichos eminiana Taub.
Dolichos eminiana Taub. has many medicinal uses in traditional African medicine and other traditional systems. It is used to cure various ailments, such as constipation, diarrhea, fever, and dysentery. The seeds are used to treat kidney and liver diseases, while the leaves are used to treat eye problems and snakebites. The beans are edible and used as a vegetable in cuisines, and are high in protein and other nutrients. It is also used as a forage crop and cover crop, as it improves soil fertility and prevents soil erosion.
Cultivation of Dolichos eminiana Taub.
Dolichos eminiana Taub. can be grown in a wide range of soil types, but prefers well-draining soil. It requires a sunny location and a warm, humid climate for optimum growth. The plant is propagated through seeds sown directly into the soil during the rainy season. The plant can be supported using wooden or wire trellises or grown along fences. The pods are harvested when mature and the beans are dried and stored for later use. The plant is relatively pest and disease resistant but may be susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soils.
Growth Conditions for Dolichos eminiana Taub.
Dolichos eminiana Taub., commonly known as "Mongolian bean," is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height. It is native to Africa and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions. Here are some of the growth conditions required for this plant:
Light Requirements
Dolichos eminiana Taub. requires abundant sunlight in order to grow properly. A location with full exposure to the sun is best for this plant. It is not recommended to plant this species in shaded areas or locations with partial sunlight because they require a lot of direct light.
Temperature Requirements
Dolichos eminiana Taub. requires a warm environment with temperatures ranging between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 29 degrees Celsius). At lower temperatures, the plant growth may slow down or even stop. Extreme temperatures can also damage the plant, which is why it is important to maintain a moderate climate suitable for its growth.
Soil Requirements
The soil required for Dolichos eminiana Taub. should be well-drained and fertile. The ideal pH for the plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. Sandy or loamy soils are suitable, but heavy or clay soils are not recommended. Proper soil conditions ensure that the roots can absorb nutrients more easily and lead to successful growth of the plant.
Cultivation of Dolichos eminiana Taub.
Dolichos eminiana Taub. is a herbaceous plant that generally grows up to 2 meters tall. The plant is native to tropical Africa and is usually cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens because of its beautiful foliage and flowers.
The plant grows well in well-drained, loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should also be slightly acidic, with a pH level of around 6 to 6.5. The plant requires full sunlight to grow properly, and it can grow in both dry and moist soils.
Watering Needs of Dolichos eminiana Taub.
Dolichos eminiana Taub. requires regular watering to grow properly. It should be watered once a week during the dry season and twice a week during the wet season. The plant should not be over-watered as it can cause root rot and other diseases.
It is advisable to water the plant in the early morning or late evening to prevent evaporation and to ensure the water penetrates deeply into the soil.
Fertilization of Dolichos eminiana Taub.
The plant should be fertilized once every month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 for optimum growth. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, and water properly to ensure the nutrients penetrate deep into the soil.
It is advisable to reduce the frequency of fertilization during the dry season to prevent salt build-up in the soil, which can lead to root damage and other problems.
Pruning Dolichos eminiana Taub.
To maintain an attractive shape and promote new growth, the plant should be pruned once every six months. Remove dead or yellowing leaves, and prune back stem tips to improve branching and encourage bushier growth.
The best time to prune the plant is during the dry season when the plant is likely to be dormant. Regular pruning will keep the plant healthy and stimulate new growth, giving it a fuller, more attractive appearance.
Propagation of Dolichos eminiana Taub.
Dolichos eminiana Taub. is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family and commonly known as the African yam bean. Propagation of the plant can be done using various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The plant can be propagated using seeds that are obtained from mature pods. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat, which helps in the germination process. The germination rate can be improved by cracking the seed coat lightly and placing the seeds in warm water overnight. The seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the field after the last frost. Seedlings will begin to emerge in about 7-10 days.
Stem Cutting Propagation
The plant can also be propagated using stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the plant during the dormant period and should be approximately 4-6 inches in length. Remove any leaves from the lower part of the cutting to reduce moisture loss. The basal end can then be dipped in rooting hormone, and the cutting planted in a well-draining potting mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, humid area. The cutting should root and produce new growth within 4-6 weeks.
Division Propagation
The plant can also be propagated by division. This method is best done during the dormant period, during which the plant can be dug up and divided into sections. The sections should have healthy roots and shoots, and each should be planted in a separate pot with well-draining soil. Water the pots and keep them in a warm, humid area. Division propagation is an effective method, and the new plants will take approximately 2-3 weeks to root and begin producing new growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos eminiana Taub.
Dolichos eminiana Taub. is a leguminous plant that is commonly grown for ornamental and edible purposes. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Therefore, it is essential to know the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them.
Common Diseases of Dolichos eminiana Taub.
1. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes the plant's leaves to wilt, turn yellow, and eventually dry up. It can also affect the plant's pods and stems, causing them to rot. To manage anthracnose, it is advisable to remove and destroy infected plant parts and use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
2. Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots, causing them to rot. It is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage root rot, it is advisable to improve the soil drainage by adding organic matter and reducing the frequency of watering. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
3. Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the plant's leaves, causing a white powdery substance to appear on their surface. It can also affect the plant's pods and stems. To manage powdery mildew, it is advisable to remove and destroy infected plant parts and use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests of Dolichos eminiana Taub.
1. Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and curling. To manage aphids, it is advisable to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
2. Spider mites: These are tiny insects that suck the moisture out of the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow, dry, and fall off. To manage spider mites, it is advisable to use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil to control their population.
3. Whiteflies: These are small flying insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and leaf drop. To manage whiteflies, it is advisable to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
In conclusion, to manage diseases and pests in Dolichos eminiana Taub., it is advisable to monitor the plant regularly, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and use appropriate fungicides and insecticides to control their spread. Additionally, it is recommended to practice good cultural practices such as maintaining proper soil drainage, avoiding overwatering, and providing sufficient air circulation to minimize the occurrence and spread of diseases and pests.
