Overview
Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical regions of Asia, particularly in India, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. This plant is commonly known by several names, including hias, mê ?i?p, and bonavist bean.
Appearance
The Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. plant can grow up to 3 meters in height and has a woody stem. Its leaves are trifoliate and each leaflet is ovate in shape, measuring around 3-7 cm in length and 2.5-5 cm in width. The plant produces racemes of flowers that are a vibrant purple or pink color. The flowers are around 1.5 cm in length and are followed by flat, green pods that measure around 10-12 cm in length.
Uses
The Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. plant has various uses in traditional medicine. The roots, leaves, and seeds of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as diabetes, fever, asthma, and cough. The plant is also used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also used as a food source. The seeds of the plant can be consumed as a vegetable or used in dishes as a substitute for lentils.
Overall, Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. is a versatile plant with a range of uses in medicine and food. Its striking purple flowers and unique green pods make it a visually appealing addition to any garden or landscape.
Light Requirements
Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. thrives under full sun exposure. The plant requires plenty of direct sunlight to perform photosynthesis and produce food. Shaded areas are not suitable for the plant’s growth.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. growth is between 20°C and 30°C. The plant is perfectly adapted to warm subtropical and tropical climates. Temperatures that exceed 35°C can damage the plant and inhibit its growth. On the other hand, frost and low winter temperatures are not suitable for the plant’s growth and must be avoided.
Soil Requirements
Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. is not very demanding when it comes to soil requirements. However, it requires well-drained soils that have a high content of organic matter. The plant can thrive in sandy soils, loamy soils and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. Soil pH levels slightly below or above neutral are tolerable.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. is commonly grown in warm regions as an annual or short-lived perennial plant. The plant can be planted directly into the ground or grown in containers. It prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of around 6.5 to 7.0. The plant should be planted in a location that receives full sun exposure to ensure optimal growth and yield. In addition to full sun, the plant requires good air circulation to prevent diseases and pests.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and the moisture content of the soil. In hot and dry weather, the plant may require watering twice a day. However, in cooler weather or when grown in containers, the plant may only require watering once or twice a week. To avoid overwatering, it is advisable to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening, and ensure that the soil dries slightly before watering again.
Fertilization
Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. benefits from regular fertilization to promote growth and flowering. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal. The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season. If the soil is nutrient-deficient, it may be necessary to add organic fertilizers such as compost or manure to improve the soil quality.
Pruning
The plant requires pruning to prevent it from becoming leggy and to promote bushier growth. Pruning should be done after the plant has finished flowering or during the dormant season. The pruning should involve removing the dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as the stems that cross each other. The plant responds well to pinching or cutting back the tips of the stems to promote branching. It is important to ensure that the pruning equipment is clean and sharp to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Dolichos gibbosus Thunb.
Dolichos gibbosus Thunb., also known as the Hairy Cluster Bean or Kollu, is a legume crop that is commonly grown in India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is often used in traditional medicine and cuisine as it is believed to have several health benefits.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation of Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. is mainly done by seeds. The seeds are sown in the soil during the beginning of the rainy season.
The seeds should be soaked in water for about 12 hours before sowing. This helps to soften the seed coat and enhances germination. After soaking, the seeds should be dried and then sown in rows, maintaining a spacing of 30 to 45 cm between the rows.
The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 5 cm into the soil. Care should be taken to maintain adequate moisture levels in the soil during the germination period.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation of Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. can also be done by stem cuttings. This method is not commonly used, but it can be useful if there are limited seeds available.
The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm in length and should have 2-3 leaves. The bottom end of the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting.
The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil, and the soil should be kept moist until the cuttings have rooted. It is essential to shield the new plants from direct sunlight for a few days after planting to avoid dehydration and stress.
Propagation by division
Propagation of Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. by division is not very common, but it is possible. This method is best suited for mature plants that have many branches.
The plant should be carefully uprooted and the branches should be divided. Each branch should have some roots attached to it. The separated branches should then be replanted into well-drained soil and watered adequately. It is important to keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Propagation of Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. is relatively easy and can be done through different methods. However, growing this plant requires a certain level of knowledge and expertise. Therefore, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional before undertaking any propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos gibbosus Thunb.
Dolichos gibbosus Thunb., commonly known as Chinese long bean, is a staple food crop in many Asian countries. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause damage and reduce yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts, practice crop rotation, maintain good air circulation, and use fungicides if necessary.
Mosaic: This virus can cause mottled leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield. To manage mosaic, remove and destroy infected plants, control aphids and other insect vectors, and use virus-free seeds or transplants.
Root rot: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and plant death. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, use disease-resistant varieties, and use fungicides if necessary.
Common Pests
Aphids: These small insects can suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, attract natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and remove heavily infested plants.
Cutworms: These caterpillars can cut the stem at soil level, causing seedlings to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, use physical barriers like collars or netting, handpick and destroy the larvae, and use insecticides if necessary.
Bean beetle: This beetle can defoliate the plant and cause poor pod development. To manage bean beetle, handpick and destroy the adults and larvae, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and plant early or late to avoid their peak activity.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can keep your Dolichos gibbosus Thunb. healthy and productive throughout the growing season.
