Overview: Dolichos niloticus Delile
Dolichos niloticus Delile is a shrub-like plant that belongs to the family of Fabaceae. It is widely known for its medicinal properties and has been used traditionally by several cultures for its numerous benefits.
Origin of Dolichos niloticus Delile
Dolichos niloticus Delile is traditionally found in Africa, especially in Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. However, the plant is also found in other parts of the world, including Asia and Europe. It can grow in several different habitats, including forests, savannahs, and grasslands.
Common Names of Dolichos niloticus Delile
Dolichos niloticus Delile goes by several common names depending on the region, including
- Habehalal (Arabic)
- Nyasote (Swahili)
- Yaito or Yayito (Amharic)
- Kanthauri (Hindi)
- Abaduren (Tagalog)
Uses of Dolichos niloticus Delile
Dolichos niloticus Delile has a wide range of uses, especially in traditional medicine. The roots, stems, leaves, and pods are all used to make various remedies for different ailments. The plant has been traditionally used for:
- Treating hypertension
- Reducing fever
- Alleviating stomach ailments such as gastritis and gastric ulcers
- Preventing anemia due to its high iron content
- Managing diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels
- Treating respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
General Appearance of Dolichos niloticus Delile
Dolichos niloticus Delile is a shrub-like plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has long stems with compound leaves that have three to seven leaflets. The leaves are oval-shaped, and each leaflet is around 3 to 8 centimeters long. The plant produces small, white or purplish flowers that are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The plant's fruit is a legume that is about 5 to 10 centimeters long and about 1.5 centimeters wide. The pods are cylindrical, and when mature, they turn yellow or reddish-brown.
In conclusion, Dolichos niloticus Delile is an important plant in traditional medicine due to its numerous health benefits. Its various medicinal properties have made it a vital plant in many cultures around the world, especially in Africa.
Typical Growth Conditions of Dolichos niloticus Delile
Dolichos niloticus Delile is a tropical plant species that grows vigorously in warm and moist environments. The plant is renowned for its nutraceutical and medicinal properties and is commonly used in traditional medicine throughout its natural range.
Light Requirements
Dolichos niloticus Delile thrives in bright lighting conditions but can still grow under partially shaded environments. The plant can tolerate direct sunlight but needs protection from harsh sunlight intensity, which can cause desiccation and scorching of leaves and flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a warm growing environment with temperatures above 20°C. However, the plant cannot survive in temperatures below 10°C for extended periods. Optimal temperatures for growth and development typically range from 25°C to 30°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant does well in a well-draining loamy or sandy soil that provides adequate aeration and moisture retention. The soil should be rich in organic matter and slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Dolichos niloticus Delile is susceptible to waterlogging, and the soil should allow water to drain efficiently.
Water Requirements
The plant requires regular watering to maintain the required soil moisture levels for vigorous growth and development. Over-watering should be avoided since it can cause waterlogging and root rot, resulting in stunted growth and plant death. The frequency of watering will differ depending on several factors, including the size of the plant, the environmental conditions, and the growth stage.
Cultivation Method for Dolichos Niloticus Delile
Dolichos niloticus Delile is an annual plant that is easy to grow. It prefers warm weather and can tolerate most soil types. The plant can be started from seed indoors six weeks before the last expected spring frost, or sown directly into the ground after the threat of frost has passed. If sowing directly into the ground, it is advisable to wait until the soil warms up to about 60°F.
When planting, space the seeds about two inches apart and cover them with soil. Water the soil immediately after planting, and keep the soil slightly moist until the seedlings germinate. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to six to eight inches apart to give the plants enough room to grow.
Watering Needs
Dolichos niloticus Delile prefers well-drained soil and requires moderate watering. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Be careful not to overwater the plant, as too much water can lead to root rot.
You can reduce watering during the plant's dormant season. However, make sure the soil never dries out entirely, as this can lead to stress and damage the plant's roots.
Fertilization
Dolichos niloticus Delile responds well to regular fertilization. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or aged manure to enrich the soil's nutrients. Use a balanced fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season and once a month throughout the growing season.
It is advisable to follow the package instructions when applying fertilizer to avoid over or underfeeding the plant.
Pruning
Dolichos niloticus Delile does not require much pruning; however, you can pinch back the plant's tips to encourage branching. If the plant continues to grow tall and leggy and is falling over, you can pinch it back to encourage bushiness.
As the plant reaches maturity, consider pinching back the tips to prevent the plant from producing too many flowers, which can lead to reduced fruit production.
Propagation of Dolichos niloticus Delile
Dolichos niloticus Delile, commonly known as the river bean, is propagated through two methods:
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Dolichos niloticus Delile are typically sown at the beginning of the growing season, which is typically in the spring. They should be sown directly into the soil or seed tray filled with a mixture of sand and compost. The seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent positions after the last frost and when they reach about 5cm in height. One month after transplanting, the plants are expected to flower. The mature plants produce pods that contain seeds that can also be used for further propagation.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Dolichos niloticus Delile can also be done through Cuttings. However, this method is less common since the plants hardly produce many stems that could be cut. If cuttings are used, they should be taken from the mature plants at the beginning of the growing season, ensuring that the cutting has at least two nodes. Cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in soil or in a rooting hormone mixture. Cuttings are then placed in a well-aerated medium under the right environmental condition and warm temperature. They are expected to root after about 7-10 days, and after which they should be transplanted under normal conditions.
Disease Management
Dolichos niloticus Delile, commonly known as the Egyptian kidney bean or Jachnun bean, is prone to several diseases that can affect its growth and yield. The following are the most common diseases that affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Angular Leaf Spot
Angular leaf spot is a bacterial disease that is characterized by water-soaked lesions on the leaves that turn brown and angular over time. It can cause defoliation and yield loss in severe cases. To manage angular leaf spot, it is advisable to use certified disease-free seeds, rotate crops to avoid plant debris that may harbor the bacteria, and apply copper-based fungicides early in the season.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. It can cause wilting, defoliation, and reduced yield. To manage anthracnose, it is advisable to practice crop rotation, remove and destroy infected plant materials, and apply fungicides early in the season when the first symptoms are detected.
Mosaic Virus
Mosaic virus is a viral disease that is characterized by yellow mottling on the leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield. It is spread by aphids. To manage mosaic virus, it is advisable to use virus-free seeds, control aphids through the use of insecticides or biological control agents, and remove and destroy infected plants.
Pest Management
Like other legumes, Dolichos niloticus Delile is prone to several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce its yield. The following are the most common pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing stunted growth, distorted leaves, and reduced yield. To manage aphids, it is advisable to use cultural control measures such as crop rotation, remove weeds that harbor the pests, and use insecticides or biological control agents such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and reduced yield. To manage leafhoppers, it is advisable to use cultural control measures such as crop rotation, remove weeds that harbor the pests, and use insecticides or biological control agents such as parasitic wasps.
Cutworms
Cutworms are the larvae of several moth species that feed on the stem of the plant, causing wilted plants and death. To manage cutworms, it is advisable to use cultural control measures such as removing plant debris and cultivating the soil to expose the larvae to predators, use insecticides, or biological control agents such as parasitic nematodes.
