Overview: Dolichos gululu De Wild.
Dolichos gululu De Wild. is a climbing annual herb that is native to southern and tropical Africa. It is also known by several other common names including wild cowpea, gululu bean, and wild black-eyed pea.
Appearance:
The plant has a slender stem that can grow up to 2m in length and is covered in hairy, soft, and tangling tendrils. The leaves are trifoliate, with three leaflets, and are rounded or ovate with pointed tips. The flowers are pale pink to purple and form clusters along the stem. After pollination, the flowers give way to seed pods that are about 8cm long and contain 6-10 seeds each.
Uses:
Dolichos gululu De Wild. is a commonly used vegetable in parts of Africa, especially in Zambia, where it is an important food crop. The pods are harvested when they are young, and the seeds are prepared by boiling, frying, or roasting. The seeds are also used to make a nutritious flour. Apart from its edible uses, the plant also has medicinal properties. It is used traditionally in African medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. The plant has also been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-tumor properties.
Light Requirements
The plant Dolichos gululu De Wild. is adapted to grow well under full sun conditions. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily to perform at its best. The plant does not perform well under shaded conditions and prefers to grow in an open environment.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature for the growth of Dolichos gululu De Wild. is between 20 to 25°C. The plant can tolerate higher temperatures of around 30°C, but growth can be stunted under such conditions. The plant cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, and growth is usually affected when temperatures fall below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic content. The ideal soil ph range for the growth of Dolichos gululu De Wild. is between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but the best growth is likely to be achieved in loamy soils. The plant performs well in soils that are moist but not waterlogged, and good aeration of the soil is also important for optimal growth.
Cultivation methods
The Dolichos gululu De Wild. plant grows well in well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. The plant prefers a full sun exposure, but partial shade is also well suited. The seeds need to be sowed shallowly and spaced about 30 centimeters apart. The plant generally requires a temperature range of 16 °C to 25 °C and an average annual rainfall of 600-1200 mm.
Watering needs
Proper watering is necessary for the growth and maintenance of Dolichos gululu De Wild. The plant requires consistent watering, especially during the early growing stages. However, it's essential not to overwater the plant, as it can lead to root rot. It's best to water the plant once a week, providing enough water to soak the soil to a depth of 10 to 15 centimeters.
Fertilization
The Dolichos gululu De Wild. plant requires fertilization to supplement soil nutrients. Incorporating composted organic matter into the soil before planting provides essential nutrients to the plant and also enhances soil structure. Additionally, applying a balanced fertilizer after planting and during the growing season can help promote vigorous growth. It's important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid overfertilization.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Dolichos gululu De Wild. plant, but it can help maintain its shape and control its growth. Pruning is best done before the growing season to avoid stunting plant growth or affecting the flowering and fruiting season. Remove any diseased, damaged, or dead branches and any crossing branches that may rub against each other.
Propagation of Dolichos gululu De Wild.
The plant Dolichos gululu De Wild. can be propagated through four different methods:
1. Seed Propagation
One of the most common ways to propagate Dolichos gululu De Wild. is through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected from the ripe pods, which are dark brown or black in color. The seeds should be air-dried and stored in a cool, dry place before sowing.
The seeds should be sown in spring or early summer, in a well-draining soil mix, about 1-2 cm deep. The pots should be kept in a warm, bright, and humid place until the seeds germinate, which can take up to three weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be moved to a brighter location and gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions.
2. Stem Cutting Propagation
Dolichos gululu De Wild. can also be propagated through stem cutting. The cuttings should be taken from younger shoots, ideally in the spring. It's important to use a sharp and clean knife or scissors to avoid damaging the parent plant.
The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The pot should be placed in a warm, bright, and humid location until roots have formed, which can take a few weeks. Once rooted, the cutting should be acclimated to outdoor conditions gradually.
3. Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another way to propagate Dolichos gululu De Wild. This method involves taking a stem cutting, usually with two or three nodes, and grafting it onto a rootstock of a related plant that can offer vigorous growth or disease resistance.
The cuttings should be taken in the spring and grafted onto a rootstock during the summer months. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm, bright, and humid location until new growth appears, which can take several weeks. Once the plant has shown new growth, it can be acclimated to outdoor conditions gradually.
4. Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that involves creating a branch that grows roots while still attached to the parent plant. This method is best done in the spring or early summer.
To air layer Dolichos gululu De Wild., one should select a vigorous branch, make a notch on the branch about 2-3 inches from the end, and apply rooting hormone powder. Then, wrap the area in moist sphagnum moss, cover it with plastic, and secure it in place with string or twist-ties.
The moss should be kept moist, and the plastic should be removed periodically to check for roots. Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos gululu De Wild.
Dolichos gululu De Wild., commonly known as the Guinea Bean or Bambara Groundnut, is a nutritious legume crop that possesses enormous potential for food security in Africa and other parts of the world. However, like any other crops, it is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can cause significant yield losses. Therefore, effective disease and pest management practices are essential to maximize yields and ensure food security.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases affecting Dolichos gululu is the leaf spot disease caused by the fungus Ascochyta dolichos. This disease causes circular, brown spots on the leaves, which can coalesce and result in leaf drop, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. Another fungal disease that affects the pods and seeds of Dolichos gululu is anthracnose, which causes dark, sunken lesions on the pods and can lead to reduced grain quality and seed viability.
Bacterial wilt is another serious disease that can infect the roots and lower stems of Dolichos gululu. The symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and death of leaves and stems. The infection can spread quickly through the soil, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, several pests can cause significant damage to Dolichos gululu. One of the common pests is the legume pod borer, whose larvae bore into the pods and seeds, resulting in yield losses and reduced grain quality. Another pest that affects the leaves and pods of Dolichos gululu is the whitefly, which sucks sap from the plant and spreads viruses that can cause reduced yield.
To control pests, farmers can use several practices such as crop rotation, which can disrupt the pests' life cycles and prevent buildup. Additionally, planting resistant varieties can minimize damage caused by pests. Farmers may also use physical barriers, such as insect nets during planting, to prevent pest infestation. When chemical control is necessary, the use of eco-friendly pesticides must be encouraged.
In conclusion, disease and pest management is crucial in maintaining healthy Dolichos gululu plants and maximizing yields. Farmers must implement integrated pest management strategies to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases while minimizing the use of chemical pesticides.
