Origin of Dolichos orbicularis
Dolichos orbicularis belongs to the family Fabaceae and is native to Africa, specifically in countries like Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names of Dolichos orbicularis
Dolichos orbicularis goes by many names, depending on the region. Some of the common names include round-leaved cowpea, Mondulo, and asiziba
Uses of Dolichos orbicularis
The plant has several uses, including:
- Food: The seeds are edible, and they are a source of protein and essential amino acids.
- Medicine: The plant's leaves, stem, and roots are used to treat various ailments like ulcers, diarrhea, and dysentery. Also, it is used as an antiseptic by some cultures.
- Soil enrichment: Farmers use Dolichos orbicularis to improve soil fertility, control soil erosion and as green manure.
General Appearance of Dolichos orbicularis
Dolichos orbicularis is a climbing herb with twining vines that can reach up to 3 meters in length. The leaves are ovate-shaped, rounded, and have a dark green hue on the upper side and a lighter green color on the underside. The stem and branches are thin, wiry, and usually light green. The flowers are small, whitish in color, and usually grown in clusters. The fruits are pod-like with a reddish-brown color when mature and contain four to six seeds.
Light Conditions
The plant Dolichos orbicularis typically requires direct sunlight for a minimum of six hours every day. Although it can tolerate partial shade, it is not recommended as it may affect the growth and flowering of the plant. Therefore, it is best suited for areas with bright and direct sunlight.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Dolichos orbicularis is between 20-30°C, but it can tolerate temperatures between 15-35°C. However, the plant does not grow well in frost-prone or extremely humid areas. Hence, it is recommended to grow the plant in areas with a moderate temperature range without any extreme climatic fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
Dolichos orbicularis grows best in well-draining soils with moderate fertility. The soil must have a pH range between 5.5-6.8, and it should not be too compact. The plant prefers soils with good organic matter content and requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Adequate drainage is necessary to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods:
Dolichos orbicularis is a warm-weather plant that can be grown both in the ground and in pots. It needs well-draining soil with good organic content, a pH range of 6.0-7.5, and a sunny location. It can tolerate partial shade but grows better in full sun. The planting hole for in-ground planting should be twice the size of the root ball, and for the container planting, the size should be at least 1-2 inches wider and deeper than the root ball.
Watering needs:
Proper watering is critical to the survival of Dolichos orbicularis and the overall health of the plant. It requires frequent watering during the establishment period, and after that, it needs regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to avoid overwatering as it can result in root rot and fungal diseases. In general, watering once or twice a week is sufficient, but the frequency may vary depending on the location and the climate.
Fertilization:
Dolichos orbicularis can benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer that has an N-P-K ratio of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. Fertilizer should be applied after planting, during the active growing season, and before the flowering season. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it can damage the plant and reduce its overall health and vigor.
Pruning:
Pruning Dolichos orbicularis is not necessary, but it can help improve the overall appearance of the plant and promote better growth. The best time to prune is during the dormant season or after flowering. Dead or damaged branches should be removed, and any overgrown or crossing branches should be pruned to maintain the desired shape and size. Pruning can also help improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, which can reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
Propagation of Dolichos Orbicularis
Dolichos orbicularis, commonly known as the wild cowpea, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to tropical Africa, where it grows naturally in grasslands, woodlands, and savannas. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Australia, Asia, and the Americas.
Propagation Methods
The wild cowpea can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division. Here are the details of each method:
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Dolichos orbicularis is by seeds. The plant produces seeds in pods, which should be harvested when mature. Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified to increase their germination rate. Scarification can be done by rubbing the seeds against sandpaper or soaking them in hot water for 5-10 minutes. After scarification, the seeds should be sown in trays or pots filled with well-draining soil. They should be kept moist and warm until they germinate, which usually takes 10-14 days. Once the seedlings develop true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation by Cuttings
Dolichos orbicularis can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season, when the plant is actively growing. Take a 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) cutting from a healthy plant and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright location. The cutting should develop roots in 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Propagation by Division
If you have an established Dolichos orbicularis plant, you can propagate it by division. This method is best done in spring or fall. Dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into several sections, making sure that each section has a healthy shoot and root system. Replant each section in a hole filled with well-draining soil and water thoroughly. The new plants should be kept moist until they establish themselves in their new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos orbicularis
Dolichos orbicularis, commonly known as Humpback bean, is a leguminous plant that is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, the plant is still susceptible to several diseases and pests that can damage its growth and development. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect the Dolichos orbicularis and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stem, and pods of the Dolichos orbicularis. The disease causes dark brown or black spots with reddish-purple edges on leaves and pods, leading to defoliation and reduced yield. To manage anthracnose, you can apply fungicides before flowering and repeat every 10 days until harvest. Also, avoid overhead irrigation and crop rotations.
Rust is another fungal disease that affects the leaves and pods of Dolichos orbicularis. Rust causes yellowing or chlorosis of leaves, followed by the appearance of rusty-brown pustules on the undersides of the leaves. To manage rust, you can remove infected leaves, apply fungicides, and practice crop rotation.
Pests
Aphids are a common pest that affects the Dolichos orbicularis. They suck the sap from the leaves and pods, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. You can manage aphids by using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or other insecticides. Additionally, encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings that feed on aphids.
Bean beetles are another pest that can damage Dolichos orbicularis. They feed on the foliage and pods of the plant, leading to defoliation and reduced yield. To manage bean beetles, you can practice crop rotation, use yellow sticky traps, and handpick the beetles off the plant.
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves of Dolichos orbicularis, leading to yellowing and curling of leaves. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil, increase humidity, and practice good garden hygiene.
In conclusion, Dolichos orbicularis is a hardy plant that can resist several pests and diseases. However, it is still prone to some pests and diseases that can affect its growth and yield. By implementing good management practices, you can minimize the negative impact of pests and diseases on your crops and enjoy higher yields.
