Overview
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms is a type of legume that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant is native to Africa and is popularly known for its edible seeds.Common Names
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms goes by several other common names such as mucuna, horse-eye bean, and velvet bean.Appearance
The plant Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms is a perennial climber and can reach up to 15 meters. It has a woody stem with hairy pods that contain the seeds. The leaves are dark green, and the flowers are a shade of purple.Uses
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms is primarily grown for its edible seeds. The seeds are high in protein and carbohydrates and are commonly used in traditional African cuisine. Mucuna is also used in herbal medicine to treat a range of health issues such as infertility, nervous system disorders, and arthritis. Additionally, the plant is used in soil improvement programs and as a cover crop due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.Light Requirements
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms, commonly known as Wild Yam Bean, requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. Exposure to strong sunlight has shown better growth and yield results. The plant can tolerate moderate shade, but excessive shade will affect the plant's growth rate, and the yield will decrease significantly.
Temperature Requirements
Wild Yam Bean is a tropical plant that requires a warm climate for optimal growth. The plant prefers temperatures between 20°C to 35°C. The plant may survive in temperatures below 20°C, but growth is significantly reduced. Temperatures below 10°C will cause frost damage to the plant and may cause irreparable damage.
Soil Requirements
Wild Yam Bean thrives in well-drained, fertile, and sandy loam soils. The plant can grow in various soil types, but soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth and yield. The plant is intolerant to soil salinity and waterlogging. For optimal growth and yield, it is recommended to add well-rotted farmyard manure and phosphatic fertilizers during planting.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms grows best in loamy soil that has good drainage. It requires a warm climate and should be planted during the warm seasons. It can thrive in a range of pH levels from 5.5 to 7.5. The seeds should be sown directly in the soil at a depth of 1 to 2cm and should be spaced evenly. It grows well in full sun or partial shade.
Watering Needs
The plant needs regular watering during the growing season, with deep watering once a week being adequate. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging and reduced yields. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the dormant periods.
Fertilization
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms requires fertilization to grow and produce high yields. Organic fertilizers are recommended as they improve the soil structure, release nutrients slowly, and promote soil organisms' growth. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ratio of 2:1:2. Fertilization should be done in the early stages and then after every 20 to 30 days.
Pruning
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms does not require pruning, but it benefits from it. Pruning encourages growth, improves air circulation, and reduces pest infestations. The plant should be pruned during the dormant season by removing branches, leaves, and stems that grow low on the plant. Dead and diseased branches should be removed to reduce the chances of infection and promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms, commonly known as velvet bean, is a legume plant that is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. It is a climbing plant that can grow up to 15 meters long and is known for its attractive foliage and large bean pods.
There are different methods of propagating Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms, including:
Seed propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms is through seed propagation. The seeds are usually large, round, and black in color. To propagate through seeds, select healthy mature seeds from the parent plant and soak them in water for 24 hours. This will help to soften the seed coat and promote germination. Plant the seeds in fertile, well-drained soil and keep them moist. Within 7-10 days, seeds will germinate, and within a few months, they will grow into young plants.
Cuttings propagation
Another method of propagating Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms is through cuttings. Take cuttings from the parent plant with a sharp knife, making sure each cutting has at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and plant it in a pot filled with well-drained potting soil. Water the cutting and place it in a bright, warm spot. Within a few weeks, roots will grow, and the cutting will establish into a young plant.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another method of propagating Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms. To do this, select a healthy branch from the parent plant and make a small cut on the branch. Cover the cut with moist sphagnum moss and wrap it with plastic wrap. Keep the moss and plastic wrap moist and wait for roots to grow. Once roots have grown, cut the branch below the new roots and plant it in a pot with well-drained potting soil. Water the new plant and place it in a bright, warm spot. Within a few weeks, the new plant will establish and grow into a mature plant.
Overall, Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air layering. Each propagation method has different requirements and advantages, and the selection of the best method largely depends on personal preference and the availability of plant materials.
Disease Management
The plant Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms is susceptible to certain diseases that can damage the plant and reduce yields.
One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is anthracnose, which is caused by Colletotrichum spp. This disease is characterized by dark, oval-shaped spots on leaves, stems, and pods. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plant debris and use fungicides that are labeled for anthracnose control.
Another common disease is bacterial blight, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. dolichi. This disease appears as water-soaked spots on leaves, stems, and pods. The spots soon turn brown and necrotic. To manage this disease, remove infected plant debris and apply copper-based fungicides to protect plants.
Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum, is also a problem for this plant. Symptoms include leaf yellowing, wilting, and plant stunting. To manage this disease, use resistant cultivars and maintain proper soil moisture levels.
Pest Management
Several pests attack the plant Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms var. subintegrifolius Harms, and it is essential to manage them to prevent yield loss.
The most common pests are aphids, which suck sap from leaves and cause stunted plant growth. To manage aphids, use beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that feed on aphids. Insecticidal soap and neem oil are also effective control methods.
Spider mites are another problem for this plant. These pests feed on plant sap and cause yellowing of leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly spraying plants with water to increase humidity can also deter spider mites.
The bean pod borer is a severe pest that causes significant yield loss. This pest bores into pods and feeds on developing seeds. To manage this pest, remove and destroy infected pods and use pheromone traps to monitor and control the pest.
Finally, leaf miners can be a problem. These pests tunnel under leaf surfaces and cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage leaf miners, remove and destroy infected leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
