Overview
Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. is a perennial legume plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the "cow pea" due to its importance as a livestock fodder in Africa and other parts of the world. The plant is widely cultivated for its edible pods and beans, as well as its ability to enhance soil fertility.
Origin
The exact origin of Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in Africa. It is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North and South America, Asia, and the Pacific islands.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by different names in different parts of the world. Some of the common names include cowpea, southern pea, black-eyed pea, China bean, yardlong bean, and asparagus bean.
Uses
The plant has several uses, both as a food crop and as a forage crop. The young pods and immature seeds can be eaten fresh or cooked as a vegetable, while the mature seeds are used in soups, stews, and other dishes. The dried seeds are also ground into flour and used to make various food products such as cakes and pastries.
Aside from its use as a food crop, Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. is also an important forage crop for livestock. It is rich in protein, making it an excellent feed for animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep. The plant's deep roots help to improve soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, which reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.
General Appearance
The plant has a climbing or trailing habit, and can grow up to 2 meters long. Its leaves are dark green and compound, with three leaflets measuring between 1 and 5 cm long. The flowers are white, pink, or purple, and are borne in clusters at the end of long stems. The pods are narrow and elongated, and can measure up to 45 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. Each pod contains between 10-20 seeds, which are kidney-shaped and have a characteristic black spot on one end.
Light Requirements
The Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. plant prefers full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, it's best to plant this species in open areas or near windows that receive ample sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. plant grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C (68-86°F). However, it can also tolerate colder temperatures, particularly during the winter season. The minimum temperature required for the plant to survive is 10°C (50°F). Temperatures above 35°C (95°F) may lead to heat stress and damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in a well-draining soil medium with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. Soil with high organic matter content and good water-holding capacity is preferred. Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. can also grow in moderately saline soils. However, it cannot thrive in heavily compacted soils. Ensure that the soil is deep enough to allow room for its widespread roots to grow.
Cultivation methods
Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. is a fast-growing climber plant that thrives in well-drained soils with good organic matter content. It is best propagated through seeds that should be sown in late spring or early summer. The seeds should be sown 2-3 cm deep in the soil and should be given enough space to grow. Once the plant starts growing, it requires some support to climb and can be trained to grow on a trellis or fence.Watering needs
This plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, care should be taken not to overwater as it can lead to root rot. It is recommended to water the plant once a week or whenever the soil feels dry to touch. During hot summers, the plant may need more frequent watering.Fertilization
Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and health. It is recommended to feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every three to four weeks during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer can also be used to avoid excessive growth spurts.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this plant, but it can be done to control its growth or shape. The best time to prune the plant is in early spring before new growth appears. Pruning should be done using clean and sharp pruners to avoid damaging the plant. Any dead or diseased branches should be removed. If the plant has grown too large, it can be cut back to the desired size.Propagation of Dolichos Erectus De Wild. var. Brevifolius De Wild.
Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild., also known as the purple hyacinth bean, can be propagated through various methods. Successful propagation requires maintaining the proper environmental conditions and providing adequate care.
Propagation by Seed
The most common method of propagating Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. is through seed propagation. Seeds are readily available and inexpensive. When sowing the seed, it is advisable to nick the hard seed coat with a sharp knife or file to allow for better water absorption and to speed up the germination process. Sow the seed in a well-draining soil mix in a warm, sunny location. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and seeds should germinate within 7-14 days.
Propagation by Cutting
Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. can also be propagated by taking cuttings from healthy plants. Cuttings should be taken from the tip of the plant and should be around 6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the base in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix. Place the cutting in a warm, humid location and keep the soil moist. Within a few weeks, the cutting should start to develop roots and can then be transplanted to a larger pot or garden plot.
Propagation by Division
Another propagation method is through division. This method involves dividing an established plant into smaller sections and repotting or replanting them elsewhere. When dividing Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild., gently lift the plant from the soil and use a sharp knife or gardening shears to divide the root ball into smaller sections. Make sure each section has a good root system and several healthy leaves. Replant each section in a well-draining soil mix and provide adequate water and sunlight.
Disease Management
The Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. plant is susceptible to a range of diseases that can impact its growth and survival. Here are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. As the infections progress, they can cause defoliation and reduce yield. To manage anthracnose, it is important to maintain good field hygiene, avoid overhead irrigation, and remove infected plant material to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight is another disease that can impact the Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. plant. The symptoms of this disease include irregularly shaped, water-soaked lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods. The most effective management strategy for this disease is to remove infected plant parts, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply copper-based fungicides to reduce the spread of the bacteria.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by a range of soil-borne pathogens. When the roots of the Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. plant are infected, they will turn brown and mushy, and the plant may show signs of stunted growth or wilt. To manage root rot, it is essential to maintain a well-draining soil and avoid watering the plant excessively.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, the Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. plant can also be affected by a range of pests. Here are some of the most common pests that might impact the plant:
- Bean Beetle: Bean beetles are small, coppery-brown insects that can cause significant damage to the leaves, stems, and pods of the Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. plant. In severe cases, the beetles can defoliate the plant and reduce yield. To manage bean beetles, it is important to monitor the plants regularly and apply insecticides when necessary.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, and reduced yield. To manage aphids, it is important to monitor the plants regularly and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of several species of nocturnal moths. They feed on the stems of the Dolichos erectus De Wild. var. brevifolius De Wild. plant and can cause significant damage to the young seedlings. To manage cutworms, it is important to monitor the plants regularly, apply insecticides when necessary, and protect the plants with collars made from cardboard or plastic.
