Overview
Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. var. kilimandscharicus, commonly known as Kilimanjaro bean, is a climbing perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a wild crop that is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in the eastern part of Africa.
Appearance
The plant has a long and twining stem that can grow up to 10 meters in length. Its leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet measuring up to 15 cm in length. The plant produces sweetly scented, white to pale lilac-colored flowers that are arranged in clusters. Its fruits are about 8 cm long and are cylindrical in shape. The pods contain about six seeds per pod that weigh about 50 to 70 mg each.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names such as Kilimanjaro bean, climbing bean, wild bean, and lablab bean. In Swahili, it is called njahi or kunde.
Uses
Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. var. kilimandscharicus is widely used as a food crop in many parts of Africa. The seeds are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, potassium, and magnesium. They are commonly consumed after boiling or roasting. The leaves are also used as a vegetable in some regions. Apart from its food value, the plant is also used in traditional medicine. Its seeds are said to have purgative properties and are used to treat constipation. The roots are used to treat diarrhea, fever, and stomach aches.
Light Requirements
The Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. var. kilimandscharicus thrives in full sunlight. However, it can tolerate partial shade for a few hours each day. To ensure proper growth, it is recommended to plant this species in areas with unobstructed sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. var. kilimandscharicus is native to East Africa and thus prefers warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). In cooler temperatures, the plant may grow more slowly or may become dormant. At temperatures above 35°C (95°F), the plant may require more frequent watering.
Soil Requirements
The Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. var. kilimandscharicus grows best in well-draining and moderately fertile soil. Clay soils may hold too much water and cause root rot, while sandy soils may not retain enough moisture. The ideal soil pH range for this species is 6.0 to 7.5. It is also important to ensure adequate soil aeration for optimal root development.
Cultivation
The Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. var. kilimandscharicus plant requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The plant can be propagated through seeds, which should be planted in warm soil at a depth of 1 to 2 inches. The optimum temperature range for seed germination is between 68°F and 77°F.
Watering Needs
The Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. var. kilimandscharicus plant requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather. However, it is important to avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot. The plant's soil should be allowed to dry slightly before watering again. Drip irrigation is an excellent method for watering this plant, as it allows for deep watering without wetting the foliage.
Fertilization
The Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. var. kilimandscharicus plant requires regular fertilization throughout the growing season to promote healthy foliage and flower development. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 5-10-10 is recommended. Fertilizer should be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season at a rate of 2 tablespoons per plant. Be sure to water the plant thoroughly after fertilizing.
Pruning
The Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. var. kilimandscharicus plant does not require extensive pruning. However, deadheading faded flowers and removing any yellow or damaged leaves will promote healthy plant growth. Pruning can be done in early spring before new growth begins. Trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth and a fuller appearance.
Propagation of Dolichos Kilimandscharicus Taub. var. Kilimandscharicus
Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. var. kilimandscharicus is propagated by seed, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seed
Seeds of Dolichos kilimandscharicus are viable for a short time, so they should be sown as soon as possible. Before sowing, the seed coat should be scarified, either mechanically or chemically, to improve germination. The seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed or in containers. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring, after the last frost.
The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination occurs, usually within 2 to 4 weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be thinned to a spacing of 30-45 cm.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings of Dolichos kilimandscharicus can be taken from mature plants in the spring or summer. Softwood cuttings are the most successful. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and have at least two nodes. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting. The lower end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining potting mix.
The pot should be kept in a warm, bright location and the soil should be kept moist. After 4-6 weeks, the cutting should have rooted and can then be transplanted to a larger container or directly into the garden bed.
Propagation by Division
Dolichos kilimandscharicus can be propagated by division. Mature plants can be dug up and divided into smaller sections in the fall or spring. Each section should have at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. The sections should be replanted immediately in a well-draining soil mixture. The new plants should be watered and kept in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. var. kilimandscharicus
Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. var. kilimandscharicus, commonly known as the Kilimanjaro bean, is a legume crop grown in tropical regions with an altitude of up to 2,700 m. Like any other crop, Kilimanjaro bean is prone to disease and pest attacks that can significantly reduce the crop's yields. Here are some of the common diseases and pests affecting the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease presents as dark, sunken lesions on the plant's leaves, pods, stems, and seeds. The disease spreads through windblown or splashing water droplets. To manage the disease, avoid overwatering, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and apply copper-based fungicides.
Root rot: Root rot is a soil-borne fungal disease that occurs in waterlogged or poorly drained soils. Symptoms include stunted plant growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant resistant varieties. If already infected, remove and destroy diseased plants, improve soil drainage, and treat the soil with fungicides.
Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight presents as water-soaked lesions on leaves and stems that quickly turn brown and die. The disease is spread through wind and water. To manage bacterial blight, use copper-based bactericides, improve air circulation, and remove and destroy infected plant parts. Plant resistant varieties where possible.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are sap-sucking insects that distort and stunt plant growth. They also spread viruses, which significantly reduce crop yields. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, interplant with companion crops, and attract aphid predators like ladybirds and lacewings.
Cutworms: Cutworms are moth larvae that cut down young plants at their base. To manage cutworms, plow the land before planting to expose cutworm pupae to predators, use collars around the plant base, apply Bacillus thuringiensis-based insecticides, and attract cutworm predators like birds and ground beetles.
Mites: Mites are tiny spider-like insects that suck sap from plant tissues, causing leaves to yellow and distort. To manage mites, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, and predatory mites. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficial mites, which prey on pest mites.
In conclusion, managing Kilimanjaro bean's diseases and pests requires an integrated approach that involves prevention, early detection, and control measures. By implementing the strategies discussed above, farmers can significantly increase their crop yields and quality.
