Overview
Dolichos maranguensis Taub. is a flowering plant species from the family Fabaceae. It is native to East Africa and is commonly found in Tanzania, particularly on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The species was first described by botanist Hermann Rudolph Alfred von Taubert in 1895.
Common Names
Common names for Dolichos maranguensis Taub. include Marangu bean, Marangu climbing bean, and Kilimanjaro bean.
Uses
The Marangu bean is an important crop for smallholder farmers in Tanzania. The dried beans are traditionally used as a source of protein in local dishes, such as stews and soups. In addition to its use as a food crop, Dolichos maranguensis Taub. is also used in agroforestry systems as a nitrogen-fixing plant, which helps to improve soil fertility and can benefit other crops grown in the same field. The plant's deep roots can aid in soil water retention, making it a valuable component of sustainable farming practices.
Appearance
Dolichos maranguensis Taub. is a climbing vine that can grow up to 6 meters in length. The leaves are trifoliate and the flowers are small and white or yellow in color. The pods are elongated and contain two to four seeds, which are typically a shade of brown or black. The plant is well-adapted to its environment and can tolerate dry and hot conditions, as well as elevation changes.
Growth Conditions for Dolichos maranguensis Taub.
Dolichos maranguensis Taub. is a species of plant from the Fabaceae family that is native to Tanzania. For optimal growth, this plant requires the following growth conditions:
Light
The plant requires bright light for at least 6 hours per day. It does not thrive in areas with low light or shades. Therefore, it is best suited for planting in areas with either direct or indirect sunlight for several hours daily.
Temperature
Dolichos maranguensis Taub. thrives under warm conditions with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 32°C. It can survive mild frost conditions for a short while, but in general, it grows best when the temperature is above 18°C. During colder months, it is recommended to keep the plant indoors away from cold drafts and temperatures below 7°C.
Soil Requirements
This plant thrives in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH between 5.5 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic. It requires regular watering, but the soil should remain moist and not waterlogged. To promote growth and health, apply a balanced fertilizer every six months or whenever necessary.
Overall, Dolichos maranguensis Taub. is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of soil, temperature, and light conditions. By mimicking its natural habitat settings, you can easily grow it in your garden or indoors and enjoy its beauty.
Cultivation Method
Dolichos maranguensis Taub. plant thrives in well-drained soils with good organic matter content. It grows well in a range of soil conditions, from sandy to loamy. The plant requires moderate sunlight and warm temperatures to grow and produce flowers and fruits. Propagation of Dolichos maranguensis can be done through seed or vegetative means.
Watering Needs
The Dolichos maranguensis plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, particularly during the flowering and fruiting periods. The plant does not do well in waterlogged or drought conditions. Watering should be done in the mornings or evenings to avoid excessive water loss due to evaporation. A watering schedule of two to three times a week should be sufficient for the plant to thrive.
Fertilization
Dolichos maranguensis requires adequate nutrition to produce flowers and fruits. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be applied to the plant every two to three weeks during the growing season. A balanced slow-release fertilizer can also be applied at the beginning of the growing season to ensure consistent nutrition throughout the plant's life cycle.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Dolichos maranguensis plant because it grows as a vine and produces tendrils to climb. However, dead, damaged or diseased parts of the plant should be pruned to encourage healthy growth and prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Dolichos maranguensis Taub.
Dolichos maranguensis Taub. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Let's look at each of these methods in detail:
Sexual propagation:
The sexual propagation of Dolichos maranguensis Taub. involves the use of seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature and healthy plants. After that, they should be cleaned and sun-dried for a few days. Before sowing, they should be soaked in water for 24 hours.
The seeds can then be sown in a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The ideal temperature for seed germination is around 20-25°C. Seedlings will start to emerge after 7-14 days.
Asexual propagation:
Dolichos maranguensis Taub. can also be propagated asexually by stem cuttings. Here's how to do it:
1. Take a healthy stem cutting from a mature plant. The cutting should be around 10-15 cm long and have several nodes.
2. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
3. Dip the cut end of the stem cutting in rooting hormone powder.
4. Plant the stem cutting in a well-draining potting mix. The mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
5. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
6. Place the pot in a warm and bright area but away from direct sunlight.
7. Spray the cutting with water regularly to maintain humidity.
The stem cutting will start to root within 2-3 weeks, and after 4-6 weeks, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos maranguensis Taub.
Dolichos maranguensis Taub. or the Marangu Bean is a legume plant that is commonly used as food and as a forage crop. Some common diseases and pests that may affect this plant include:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause spots on the leaves, pods, and stem, and it can cause the plant to lose its leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected plant debris, avoid overwatering, plant in well-draining soil, and apply fungicides as needed.
Bacterial blight: This disease can cause wilting, yellowing of leaves, and brown spots on the stems and pods. To manage this disease, use pathogen-free seeds, practice crop rotation, remove infected plant debris, and apply copper-based fungicides.
Mosaic virus: This virus can cause mottling or yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage this virus, use virus-free seeds, practice crop rotation, and remove infected plant debris.
Pests
Bean beetle: This pest can feed on the leaves and pods of the plant, causing damage. To manage this pest, handpick the beetles, apply insecticidal soaps or oils, and practice crop rotation.
Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap out of the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage them, apply insecticidal soaps or oils, use reflective mulches, and attract natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Cutworms: These larvae can cut the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. To manage them, use collars or barriers around the plant stems, control weeds, and apply bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticides.
By being proactive in managing diseases and pests, you can ensure the health and productivity of your Dolichos maranguensis Taub. plants, ensuring that you have a bountiful harvest.
