Overview of Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl.
Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl. is a species of climbing plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to East and Central Africa, specifically in the areas of Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. The plant is also commonly known as the "African bean," "Ethiopian bean," or "cowpea," and it is a significant crop in several African countries.
Appearance of Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl.
The Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl. plant has a slender stem that can grow up to 1.5 meters long and has leaves that are two to four inches long. The leaves are oblong or lanceolate, with pointed tips and slightly toothed edges. The plant also has clusters of small, purple or yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and produce green or brown pods that contain the edible seeds.
Uses of Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl.
As a crop, Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl. seeds are a source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making it a significant food staple in Africa. The seeds can be dried, ground into a flour and used to make traditional dishes like akara, a deep-fried bean cake, or eaten boiled or roasted. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, stomach problems, and respiratory infections.
Aside from its practical uses, Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl. is also grown as an ornamental plant because of its delicate, fragrant flowers and eye-catching pods. The plant's seeds are also being researched for their potential use in biofuels due to their high oil content.
Light Requirements
Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl. is a plant that requires partial to full sunlight. It needs at least 6 hours of direct or indirect sunlight every day. Without adequate light, the plant's growth will be stunted, and it may fail to produce flowers and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It grows well in warm temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl. cannot tolerate cold weather and frost. If the temperature drops below 10°C, the plant's growth will be hindered, and it may die.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl. is well-draining, loose, and fertile. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 and 7.0. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil. The soil must retain moisture but drain well to prevent the roots from rotting. Organic matter such as compost or manure can be added to improve soil fertility and texture.
Cultivation of Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl.
Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl. is a climbing plant that can grow up to 2 meters long. It is native to the African continent and is grown for its ornamental and medicinal purposes. The plant requires a well-drained soil to thrive, combined with adequate sunlight and temperature to encourage its growth.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. It is advisable to sow the seeds in pots with well-draining soil and keep them moist until they germinate. Once germinated, the seedlings should be transplanted to a larger pot for further growth.
Watering Needs
The watering requirements of Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl. should be regulated to avoid over or under-watering. The plant requires moderate watering, and it is essential to ensure that the soil is moist but not water-logged. The plants can also be watered with rainwater or distilled water as it is sensitive to mineral salts.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to supply the necessary nutrients for its growth. It is recommended to use an organic nutrient-rich fertilizer to ensure that the plant remains healthy. The fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, and the frequency should be regulated according to the rate of growth of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl. is necessary to maintain its shape and size. The plant can become dense and tangled if left unpruned. Pruning should be done during the growing season, and only dead stems or branches should be removed. The plant's growth habit should be observed, and the pruning should be done judiciously to enhance its beauty.
Propagation of Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl.
Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl., commonly known as Chinese long bean, is a climbing legume plant that is cultivated for its tender and delicious green pods. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl. is through seeds. The seeds collected from the pods are sown directly into the soil in a warm and sunny location where the plant can climb up a trellis or pole. Seeds usually germinate within 7-10 days, and the plant starts to produce flowers and pods in about 40-50 days after sowing.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another way of propagating Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl. This method involves taking cuttings from the stem of a mature plant and rooting them in a rooting hormone and then transplanting them in soil. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and vigorously growing plants in the dormant period. After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots and kept in a warm and sunny location.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another propagation method used for Dolichos obliquifolius Schnizl.. This method involves joining a stem or bud of the desired variety onto a rootstock of another variety. The rootstock must be chosen for its strong root system and tolerance to pests and diseases. Grafting is done during the dormant period, which is typically from late winter to early spring. After grafting, the plants are kept in a warm and moist environment until they start growing, and then they can be transplanted into individual pots or the ground.
Disease Management
Dolichos obliquifolius is susceptible to several diseases such as bacterial blight, powdery mildew, and root rot. To manage bacterial blight, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts and provide good ventilation and appropriate irrigation. For powdery mildew, correct nutrient deficiencies, space plants properly to improve air circulation, and fungicide application may help reduce the spread. Root rot, on the other hand, can be managed by avoiding overwatering, using well-draining soil, and regularly applying fungicides with active ingredients such as metalaxyl or thiophanate-methyl.
Pest Management
Common pests that attack Dolichos obliquifolius include spider mites, aphids, leafhoppers, and whiteflies. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to keep the plant foliage clean and moist, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introduce predatory mites. Aphids can be managed by releasing natural predators, spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or washing them off with a high-pressure water spray. Leafhoppers and whiteflies can be managed with insecticidal soap, introducing beneficial insects or applying neem oil.
