Origin and Common Names
The plant Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder hails from East Africa and is commonly known as Sunzu Bean or Sunzu Wild Bean. It is primarily found in Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya in areas with an altitude of 1525-2140 meters above sea level.
Uses
The Sunzu Bean is an important legume crop and is widely cultivated by farmers as a food source because of its high nutritional value and long shelf life. The beans are highly proteinaceous and are rich in iron and other minerals. They can be consumed fresh or dried and cooked in a variety of dishes. The plant is also used as a natural fertilizer as it is nitrogen-fixing, meaning it can convert atmospheric nitrogen to a form usable by plants.
General Appearance
The Sunzu Bean plant is a climbing plant that can grow up to three meters long. It has narrow and oblong leaflets that are about 10-13 centimeters long. The plant produces bright purple or pink flowers that are about 1.5 centimeters long. The fruit is a long pod, about 6-8 centimeters long, containing 10-20 seeds that are brown or black in color. The plant grows well in well-drained soils and requires moderate rainfall and full sunlight to thrive.
Growth conditions of Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder
Light: Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder is a sun-loving plant. It requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. The plant should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. However, it can tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature: The plant prefers warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder is between 20-30°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold temperatures. It is essential to protect the plant from frost and cold temperatures during the winter season.
Soil: The plant can adapt to a wide range of soil types. However, it grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should have good water-holding capacity. Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder can tolerate drought to some extent, but it grows best when provided with consistent moisture.
Cultivation
Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder is a climbing plant that needs support to grow. Plant it in an area with well-draining soil and ample sunlight. It is best to sow the seeds directly into the ground during spring or early summer when the temperatures range between 18-25°C. Space the plants 45-60cm apart, and ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs
The plant requires consistent moisture to thrive, particularly during the growing season. Water it regularly, ensuring that the soil does not completely dry out. Overwatering can cause rot and disease, so avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the vegetative phase. Apply fertilizer every two to three weeks to help the plant grow faster. However, reduce fertilizer application when the plant begins to produce flowers and fruits, as excess nitrogen can lead to leaf growth instead of fruit production.
Pruning
Since Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder is a vigorous climber, it requires support from a trellis or stakes. Prune for shape and to encourage the plant to branch out. Cut off any dead or damaged parts of the plant and remove any infested leaves or stems since this can increase pest and disease attack. Ensure that the pruning tools are clean and sharp, to prevent damage to the plant. Prune the plant towards the end of winter or at the beginning of spring.
Propagation of Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder
The plant Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder can be propagated through two methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the availability of resources and the desired outcomes.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest way to propagate Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder. The seeds are harvested from the mature pods of the plant. To ensure the highest germination rate, the seeds should be collected from healthy plants in the early morning. They should be cleaned and stored in a dry place with good ventilation, away from direct sunlight.
When sowing the seeds, it is recommended to soak them in water for about 24 hours before planting. This will help to soften the seed coat and improve germination. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within two weeks, and the seedlings should be thinned to avoid overcrowding.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder can be carried out through several methods, including stem cuttings, layering, and division of the rhizomes. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, and the bottom part should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cuttings should be planted in a potting mixture of sand and peat, and kept moist until new growth appears.
Layering involves bending a low-growing stem down to the ground and covering part of it with soil. The stem will develop roots at the covered part, and can be cut from the mother plant when the roots are well-established. Division of the rhizomes can be carried out in the early spring. The rhizomes should be separated carefully, and planted in individual pots with well-draining soil.
Overall, the propagation of Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder can be carried out successfully through both seed and vegetative methods, providing a good source of plant material for cultivation.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder
Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder is a leguminous plant that is commonly found in tropical regions. Several diseases and pests can affect this plant, compromising its health and affecting its yield. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder and suggestions on how to manage them.
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder, causing them to develop white powdery spots. The disease can reduce the plant's ability to carry out photosynthesis, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield.
Management: The following measures can be taken to manage powdery mildew:
- Removing and destroying infected leaves to prevent the spread of the disease
- Improving air circulation around the plant by spacing them out
- Using fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil sprays to control the disease
2. Root Rot: Root rot is a disease caused by several fungi that grow in waterlogged soils. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing of leaves, wilting, and death of the plant.
Management: The following measures can be taken to manage root rot:
- Improving drainage by planting Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder in raised beds
- Avoiding over-watering the plant
- Applying fungicides such as copper-based fungicides to control the disease
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder. The insect can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth of the plant.
Management: The following measures can be taken to manage aphids:
- Removing the insects by hand
- Applying insecticides such as neem oil sprays to control the insects
- Introducing aphid predators such as ladybugs to the garden
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that latch onto Dolichos ichthyophone Verdc. var. sunzuensis Mackinder and suck sap from the leaves. The insect can cause the leaves to have a stippled appearance and reduce photosynthesis, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the plant.
Management: The following measures can be taken to manage spider mites:
- Spraying the plant with water to remove the insects
- Applying insecticides such as neem oil sprays to control the insects
- Introducing spider mite predators such as ladybugs to the garden
