Origin
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms is commonly found in countries such as China, India, Myanmar, and Thailand. It belongs to the Fabaceae family of plants and is a subspecies of the Dolichos bean.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Sword Bean, Sabre Bean, Yam Bean, or the False Yam Bean in English. In other languages, it is referred to as Chí Shé Dòu in Mandarin Chinese, Shukto in Bengali, and Shimayabean in Japanese. The name Sabre Bean comes from the shape of its pods, which resemble a sword or a sabre.
Uses
The plant is primarily grown as a food crop for its edible tubers, which have a nutty flavor and are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals. The tubers can be eaten raw or cooked and are commonly used in salads, soups, stews, and curries. The plant is also used for medicinal purposes and is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. In addition, the plant can be used as a cover crop for soil conservation, as it helps to prevent erosion and improve soil fertility.
General Appearance
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms is a climbing vine that can grow up to 5 meters in length. It has trifoliate leaves that are ovate to elliptical in shape and have a dark green color. The flowers are typically white or pinkish-purple in color and grow in clusters. The pods are long and curved, resembling a sword or a sabre, and can grow up to 60 cm in length. The inside of the pod contains several seeds, which are flattened and oval in shape. The tubers of the plant are large and underground, similar to sweet potatoes, and can weigh up to 1 kg.
Light Requirements
The Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms plant requires full sun and a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day. It grows best in direct sunlight but can also tolerate some shade.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms plant is between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. It cannot withstand frost or extreme cold temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. The plant prefers warm temperatures and high humidity levels.
Soil Requirements
The Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms plant grows well in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range from 6.5 to 7.5. The plant prefers fertile soils that are not waterlogged or too wet. It can also tolerate sandy and clay soils as long as good drainage is provided.
Cultivation methods for Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms can be grown in various ways, including using seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be planted at a depth of about two times their diameter, while cuttings should be planted in pots with well-drained soil.
The best time to plant Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms is during the rainy season when the soil is damp. It requires plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil to grow effectively.
Watering needs for Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms
Watering should be done regularly, but not excessively. The soil should be damp at all times, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and may cause the plant to rot.
In dry regions with low rainfall, regular watering may be required to maintain soil moisture. It is recommended to mulch the soil around the plant to retain moisture and reduce water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization of Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms
To promote growth and flowering, the plant requires regular fertilization. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be applied during the vegetative stage, while phosphate and potassium-rich fertilizers should be applied during flowering.
Organic fertilizers can also be used, such as compost or manure. It is recommended to fertilize the plant once every two months.
Pruning of Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of the plant. It also promotes new growth and increases flowering. Dead leaves, stems, and flowers should be removed regularly to prevent the spread of diseases.
Pruning should be done during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not too hot. It is also important to use sharp and sterilized pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms, also known as the yam bean or jicama, is a legume plant that is widely grown for its edible tuberous roots. This plant is native to Central and South America but is now widely cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Propagation of Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and root division.
Propagation through seed
The most common method of propagating Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms is through seeds. Seeds can be obtained from mature pods of the plant. To propagate through seed, sow the seeds at a depth of 2-3 cm in well-drained soil. The seeds should be sown in rows, with a distance of 15-20 cm between the rows. Keep the soil moist by regular watering. Germination usually occurs within 7-10 days, and the seedlings should be thinned to a distance of 10-15 cm between plants when they are about 4-6 weeks old.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Propagation of Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms through stem cuttings involves taking cuttings of the stem of the plant and rooting them to form new plants. This method is usually done with mature plants that are several years old. The stem cuttings should be taken from the mature part of the stem, about 10-15 cm long with a few leaves attached. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade until the cuttings have rooted and produced new growth, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks.
Propagation through root division
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms can also be propagated through root division. This method is usually done with mature plants that have developed a large root system. Dig up the plant carefully and separate the root system into 2-3 sections, making sure that each section has some shoots attached. Replant the sections in well-drained soil and keep them moist. Provide partial shade until new growth appears, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms
Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms is a leguminous plant that is grown for its edible nutritious beans and leaves. The plant is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but some common pests and diseases can cause severe damage if not managed in time.
Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms is anthracnose. This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Symptoms of anthracnose include leaf spots, stem cankers, and bean infections. To manage anthracnose, plant resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, remove and destroy infected plant debris, and avoid overhead irrigation.
Another disease that affects Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms is angular leaf spot. This disease is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola. Symptoms of angular leaf spot include yellow halo around water-soaked spots on leaves, wilting and blighting, and defoliation. To manage angular leaf spot, plant resistant varieties and avoid overhead irrigation. Use copper-based bactericides to treat the infected plants.
Pests
The common pests that affect Dolichos pseudopachyrhizus Harms are aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Aphids and whiteflies damage the plant by sucking the sap from leaves, stems, and pods. These pests also secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage aphids and whiteflies, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control the pest population.
Spider mites damage the plant by feeding on the undersides of leaves, causing yellow stippling. Severe infestations can cause leaf drop and plant death. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce predatory mites, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, which feeds on spider mites.
It's important to monitor for pests and diseases regularly to identify and manage them early. Practice good cultural practices, such as adequate plant spacing, sanitation, and proper watering. Avoid stress conditions, such as drought and nutrient deficiency, which weaken the plant and make them susceptible to pests and diseases.
