Origin
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. kilimandscharicus Harms is a legume plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the tropical regions of Africa, specifically Tanzania and Kenya.
Common Names
The plant has various common names depending on the area. In Tanzania, it is known as 'nyanda' while in Kenya, it is known as 'nduma.' Other common names include climbing yam bean, African yam bean, and long-podded dolichos.
Uses
The plant has many uses both for human consumption and agriculture. The edible tubers of the plant are rich in protein, carbohydrates, and minerals, making them a valuable source of food. The leaves of the plant are also edible and are used in traditional dishes. The plant is also grown as a cover crop to improve soil fertility and prevent soil erosion. Additionally, its deep roots make it a great crop to intercrop with other plants that require shallow roots.
General Appearance
The dolichos pseudopachyrrhizus Harms var. kilimandscharicus Harms is a climbing vine that grows up to 3 meters long. It has trifoliate leaves that are spirally arranged on the stem. The flowers are pink or purplish and are borne in clusters at the end of the branches. The plant's fruit is a long, slender pod that is up to 30 cm long and bears many seeds. The tubers grow underground and range in size from small peas to large sweet potatoes.
Light Requirements
The plant Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. kilimandscharicus Harms prefers bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Direct, intense sunlight can damage the leaves and hinder growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the tropics and requires warm temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius to grow. It cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold below 10 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with good moisture retention. A soil mix of peat moss, perlite, and compost provides adequate drainage while retaining moisture. The soil's pH should be slightly acidic between 5.5 and 6.5. Additionally, the plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. kilimandscharicus Harms, also known as Kilimandschari Bean, is a climbing and twining plant that requires support as it grows. It can be propagated through seeds and requires warm temperatures to germinate successfully. When planting, ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. The soil should also have a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth.Watering Needs
Kilimandschari bean plants require regular watering, especially during the flowering and fruiting period. Water the plant at the base, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent fungal growth. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to support its growth and fruiting. Use an all-purpose fertilizer with sufficient phosphorus and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.Pruning
Pruning is essential in preventing the plant's overgrowth and promoting better fruiting. Trim any damaged or diseased branches and those that grow too long. Prune the plant to three to four feet to control its size, and ensure proper airflow between the branches.Propagation of Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. kilimandscharicus Harms
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. kilimandscharicus Harms can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seeds that are collected from the mature pods. The seeds should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours before planting to ensure proper germination. The ideal planting time is at the beginning of the rainy season, where the soil is moist, and the temperature is not too high. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 3-4 cm and spaced 60-70 cm apart. Proper watering should be ensured immediately after planting and should be continued until the seeds germinate. The seedlings can be transplanted to the field after 4-6 weeks of growth.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method to propagate Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. kilimandscharicus Harms is through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the mature stems, and the lower leaves should be removed. The stem cuttings should be dipped in a solution of rooting hormone and then planted in a mixture of sand and soil. The cuttings should be placed in a shaded area and watered regularly. Generally, it takes 3-4 weeks for the cuttings to establish roots and can be transplanted after 4-6 weeks.
Division Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through division. The mature plants are dug out of the soil and divided into smaller sections with a sharp knife or shears. Each section should have at least one stem and root system. The divided sections should be planted immediately in pots or in the field at a spacing of 60-70cm apart. The plants should be watered regularly and mulched to retain soil moisture.
Disease Management for Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. kilimandscharicus Harms
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. kilimandscharicus Harms, commonly known as Kilombero bean, is a hardy plant that can withstand many diseases. However, some diseases can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
1. Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant, improve soil drainage, and use fungicides.
2. Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be caused by low-quality seeds or contaminated soil. To manage this disease, use disease-free seeds, avoid over-fertilizing the plant, and use copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management for Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. kilimandscharicus Harms
Kilimbero bean is also susceptible to pest attacks. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
1. Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, reducing its growth and yield. To manage aphids, remove infected plant parts, use insecticidal soap, and introduce natural predators.
2. Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing a reduction in growth and yield. To manage leafhoppers, use insecticidal soap, remove infected plant parts, and introduce natural predators.
3. Bean Beetles
Bean beetles are small insects that feed on the plant's leaves, causing a reduction in growth and yield. To manage bean beetles, use insecticidal soap, remove infected plant parts, and introduce natural predators.
By managing diseases and pests, the growth and yield of Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. kilimandscharicus Harms can improve, resulting in a healthier and profitable harvest.
