Origin of Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz
Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz, also known as the Egyptian bean or hyacinth bean, is believed to have originated in Africa. It has been cultivated for its edible beans and ornamental value for thousands of years. Today, it can be found growing in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Common Names of Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz
Aside from Egyptian bean and hyacinth bean, Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz goes by several other common names, including:
- Bonavist bean
- Bangla
- Lablab bean
- Indian bean
Uses of Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz
The beans of Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz are edible and have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. They can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and curries. In addition to being a food source, the plant has ornamental value, with its attractive purple or white flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including fever, flatulence, and skin diseases.
General Appearance of Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz
Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz is a climbing plant that can grow up to 9 meters long. It has trifoliate leaves and produces clusters of pea-like flowers that are either white or purple. The beans come in a variety of colors, including green, purple, and white. When mature, the pods are 10-15 cm long and contain 6-8 seeds each.
Light Requirements
The plant Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. Therefore, it is crucial to place the plant in an area where it can receive direct sunlight for 6-8 hours each day. Lack of sunlight may lead to stunted growth, weak stems, and poor fruit development.
Temperature Requirements
Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz grows well in warm temperatures ranging from 20-35°C. The plant can tolerate brief periods of high-temperature stress but cannot withstand temperatures below 15°C. If planted in a cooler area, the plant must be covered with blankets or plastic coverings to maintain warmth.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow well in different soil types ranging from sandy, loamy to clay soils. However, the soil must be well-drained, fertile and rich in organic matter. The soil pH must be slightly acidic ranging from 5.5 to 7 to achieve optimal growth. The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz is a warm-season, fast-growing, and frost-intolerant plant that requires a well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a pH range of 6-7.5 for optimal growth. The plant prefers a sunny location with partial shade during the hottest time of the day.
The seeds must be planted in warm soil with a temperature of at least 20°C, 1-2 inches deep, and 6-8 inches apart. The germination time may take up to 10-14 days. After germination, thinning should be done to maintain a distance of 12-18 inches between plants. Support structures like trellises or poles must be provided for the plants to climb and grow.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the flowering and fruiting stage. However, the soil should not be excessively wet, as it may lead to root rot. The frequency of watering depends on the climatic conditions and the soil type. Generally, the soil must be kept moderately moist, and irrigation must be done in the morning to prevent diseases caused by moisture in the evening.
Fertilization
Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz requires moderate fertilization for optimal growth and yield. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 4-2-3 or 5-10-10 must be applied at the time of planting and then again after two weeks. Foliar fertilization can also be done at intervals of 2-3 weeks with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential activity to maintain the vigor and productivity of the plant. Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz requires minimal pruning, and only diseased, damaged, or dead branches must be removed. It is also crucial to remove any weeds around the plant, which may compete for nutrients and water.
Propagation of Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz
Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz is a warm-season crop that is usually propagated by seeds. It is an annual or short-lived perennial legume that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is primarily grown for its edible seeds and pods, which are commonly used in culinary applications.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz is through seeds. The seeds are sown directly in the field after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. The seeds are usually planted in rows, and the spacing between the rows and plants may vary depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2 to 3 times their diameter.
The seeds usually germinate within 7 to 14 days under optimal conditions, which include warm soil temperature and adequate moisture. The seedlings should be thinned to maintain a distance of at least 15 to 20 cm between plants. The plant matures in about 60 to 90 days after sowing, depending on the cultivar and growing conditions.
Cutting Propagation
Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz can also be propagated by stem cuttings, but this method is less common than seed propagation. The stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants that are actively growing. The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 cm long, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings are then planted in a well-drained soil mixture, kept moist and covered to maintain humidity. Rooting usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks, and once the roots are well established, the plant can be transplanted to the field.
Conclusion
Propagation of Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz is relatively easy, and most commonly done through seed propagation. Stem cutting propagation is an alternative method, but it is less commonly used. Optimum growing conditions such as warm soil temperature and adequate moisture are critical to the successful propagation of Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz from seeds or cuttings.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz
Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz, also known as lablab bean, is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests. In order to maintain healthy plant growth and development, appropriate measures should be taken to manage such threats.
Common Diseases that Affect Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz
Some of the common diseases that affect Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots and blights, leading to defoliation and reduced yield. Use of fungicides and crop rotation can help manage anthracnose.
- Bean Rust: This fungal disease causes orange-brown pustules on the undersides of leaves, eventually leading to defoliation. Use of fungicides during early stages of leaf infection can control bean rust in Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz.
- Bean Root Rot: This disease is caused by various fungal pathogens and can result in wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth of plants. Crop rotation and use of resistant cultivars can help manage bean root rot.
Common Pests that Affect Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz
Some of the common pests that affect Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz include:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause yellowing, wilting, and reduced yield in plants. Natural predators such as ladybugs can be introduced to manage aphids.
- Cutworms: These larvae of moths feed on the stem and foliage of plants, causing wilting and death. Use of physical barriers and insecticides can help manage cutworms.
- Leafhoppers: These insects cause yellowing and stunted growth of plants as they feed on them. Use of insecticidal soaps and neem oil can help manage leafhoppers in Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz.
It is important to regularly monitor Dolichos lablab L. var. rhomboideus Schinz for any signs of disease or insect infestation. Early detection and management can help prevent further damage and ensure healthy plant growth.
