Overview of Dolichos ensiformis L.
Dolichos ensiformis L. is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as sword bean or Chinese long bean and has its origin in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is believed to be native to Asia and Africa but is now commonly grown worldwide.
General Appearance
The Dolichos ensiformis L. plant typically grows as a climbing vine, with twining stems that can reach up to 6 meters in length. The leaves of the plant are compound, with three or four leaflets measuring around 8-20cm in length. The flowers of this plant are borne in racemes that grow from the leaf axils and are mauve or purple in color. The fruit is a long, narrow pod that typically measures up to 50cm in length and 2-3cm in diameter.
Common Names
The plant is known by various names, including sword bean, Chinese long bean, asparagus bean, dolique à épée, ?? (Cai dou), and ????????? (Yaado-rongu-biin).
Uses of Dolichos ensiformis L.
The Dolichos ensiformis L. plant is primarily grown as a food crop. The young pods of the plant are harvested and used in various culinary preparations. The pods are typically cooked and eaten like green beans, or they may be pickled. The seeds of the plant are also edible, and they can be roasted, boiled or ground into a flour and used in various foods. In addition, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diabetes, inflammation, and stomach problems.
Light Requirements
Dolichos ensiformis L. requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. Therefore, they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Insufficient light affects the plant's growth, leading to weak stems and lower yields.
Temperature Requirements
Dolichos ensiformis L. thrives in warm weather with a temperature range between 21°C to 27°C, making it a warm-season crop. They cannot tolerate frost and prefer a humid environment. Temperatures outside their ideal range may cause stunted growth, wilting of leaves, and reduced fruit formation.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Dolichos ensiformis L. is well-drained, loamy soil, enriched with organic matter. It thrives in soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 6.8. Soil that is compacted, waterlogged, or lacks organic matter impedes root growth and negatively affects plant growth and yield. The plant is relatively drought-resistant, but it also requires an adequate water supply, especially during flowering and pod formation.
Cultivation methods for Dolichos ensiformis L.
Dolichos ensiformis L., also known as sword bean or Indian bean, is a warm-season crop that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows well in sandy loam to clayey soil that is well-drained and has a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant requires ample sunlight and prefers warm temperatures around 25-35°C.
The seeds of Dolichos ensiformis L. should be sowed directly in the field after the last frost. The seeds must be sown at a depth of about 1-2 inches, with a spacing of 12-18 inches between plants and 30-36 inches between rows. The plant requires moderate watering throughout the growing season.
Watering needs of Dolichos ensiformis L.
Dolichos ensiformis L. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist throughout the growing season, especially during the flowering and fruiting stage. The plant requires about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on the soil moisture level and prevailing weather conditions. Irrigation can be carried out either by drip irrigation or overhead irrigation, but drip irrigation is preferred as it minimizes weed growth and water wastage.
Fertilization of Dolichos ensiformis L.
Dolichos ensiformis L. requires a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen promotes vegetative growth, phosphorus stimulates root growth and fruit development, and potassium improves tolerance to environmental stress.
A commonly used fertilizer for Dolichos ensiformis L. is 20:20:10 NPK fertilizer, applied at a rate of 50 kg per hectare during planting, followed by an additional application of 25 kg per hectare after 4 weeks of sowing. Organic manure, such as compost or well-rotted animal manure, can also be incorporated into the soil during preparation.
Pruning of Dolichos ensiformis L.
Pruning is not a common practice for Dolichos ensiformis L. as it is a trailing and climbing vine that naturally grows up to 20 feet in length. However, it is important to remove any dead, diseased or damaged plant parts to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. The removal of excess vegetative growth can also help to improve airflow and sunlight penetration, leading to better fruit development.
Propagation of Dolichos ensiformis L.
Dolichos ensiformis L., commonly known as sword bean or Indian bean, is a tropical and subtropical annual vine that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a leguminous plant that is popular for its edible pods and beans. Propagation is the process of growing new plants from existing ones. Here are the common propagation methods used for Dolichos ensiformis L.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Dolichos ensiformis L. is through seeds. The seeds of the plant can be obtained from mature pods. The seeds should be collected once the pods have become brown and dry. The collected seeds should be cleaned of any impurities and should be dried in shade for a few days before sowing.
The seeds should be sown directly into the soil or pots in early spring or summer, depending upon the climate. The soil should be loose and well-drained, and the pH should be around 6.0 to 7.5. The seeds should be sown 1-2 inches deep and watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The seeds germinate within 7-10 days, and the plants start growing within a week or two.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Dolichos ensiformis L. can also be done by stem cuttings. This method is useful for propagating the plant if seeds are not available or if seed propagation is not successful. The cuttings should be taken from mature stems of the plant. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have a few leaves attached to them.
The cuttings should be planted in moist, well-drained soil in a pot or a nursery bed. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be placed in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight, which can damage the cuttings and reduce their chances of survival. The cuttings should root in about 2-4 weeks, and new leaves should start appearing within a month or two.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation of Dolichos ensiformis L. can also be done by layering. Layering is a method of propagation where a stem or a branch of a plant is bent down to the ground and covered with soil to allow roots to develop.
To propagate Dolichos ensiformis L. by layering, a young and flexible stem should be chosen. The selected stem should be bent down to the ground and covered with soil until the top part of the stem remains above the soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the covered part of the stem should be checked regularly for the development of roots.
Once the roots have developed and the new plant has started growing, the stem should be cut from the mother plant and planted in its new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos ensiformis L.
Dolichos ensiformis L., also known as sword bean or Chinese long bean, is a crop plant primarily cultivated for its nutritious seedpods. As with any agricultural crop, disease and pest management is important to maintain optimal yields. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Dolichos ensiformis L., and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This fungal disease is characterized by circular or irregularly shaped lesions with dark margins and brown centers. Young seedlings are particularly susceptible, and it can cause defoliation and yield loss.
Management: Anthracnose can be managed by planting disease-resistant cultivars, practicing crop rotation, and using fungicides. It is also important to maintain good overall plant health through proper nutrition, irrigation, and weed control.
2. Bacterial blight: This bacterial disease causes water-soaked lesions on leaves, stems, and pods that can later turn brown and necrotic. Severe infections can cause crop loss.
Management: Prevention is the key to managing bacterial blight. Plant disease-free seed, practice crop rotation, and maintain good hygiene in the field. Avoid overhead irrigation, as wet foliage can promote disease. Copper-based fungicides can be used for control.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: These small insects feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl and distort, and can transmit viruses.
Management: Early detection and control are important to managing aphids. Insecticidal soaps or oils can be used for control, as well as biological control agents, such as ladybugs or lacewings.
2. Bean beetle: This beetle feeds on leaves, flowers, and pods, and can cause significant yield loss.
Management: Bean beetles can be managed through good field hygiene, crop rotation, and the use of insecticides if necessary.
By practicing proper disease and pest management techniques, farmers can maintain the health and yield of their Dolichos ensiformis L. crops.
