Overview
Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. also known as Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet, is a leguminous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is known for its edible pods and seeds and is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions for its agricultural and ornamental purposes.
Origin
Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. is believed to have originated in Africa. It is widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
Common Names
Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. is commonly known as hyacinth bean, dolichos bean, Indian bean, Egyptian kidney bean, lablab bean, and field bean, among others.
Uses
The plant has both agricultural and ornamental uses. It is grown as a food crop due to its edible pods and beans, which are used in different culinary preparations. The young pods can be eaten fresh, while the mature pods and seeds are dried and used in soups, stews, and other dishes. The plant is also used as animal feed and for soil improvement due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities. Additionally, the plant is grown for its ornamental value due to its colorful flowers and attractive foliage, which makes it a popular choice in gardens and landscaping.
General Appearance
Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. is a climbing or trailing perennial plant that grows up to 6 meters in height. It has long, pointed, and oval leaves that are green in color. The plant produces showy flowers that come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, and white, and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a long, flat, and curved pod that contains 5-10 shiny seeds, which are usually black or white.
Growth Conditions for Dolichos ringoetii De Wild.
Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. is a tropical perennial legume plant that is native to Africa. It is commonly known as the Catjang cowpea and is often grown for animal feed. The plant can reach a height of 60-90 cm and has a spreading growth habit.
Light Requirements
Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. requires full sun for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but will not thrive in shaded areas. Therefore, it is best to plant the catjang cowpea in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 25-30°C. It is not frost-tolerant and will die if exposed to temperatures below 10°C. Therefore, it is best to plant the catjang cowpea in tropical or subtropical regions.
Soil Requirements
Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6-7.5 for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it thrives in sandy or loamy soils. Therefore, it is best to plant the catjang cowpea in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. is a warm-season crop that requires full exposure to sunlight for proper growth and development. It is sensitive to frost and requires a warm climate to grow. The plant grows well in well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to prepare the soil before planting by adding compost or well-rotted manure. Seeds should be planted in rows at a depth of 1 to 2 inches and spacing of 4 to 6 feet. The plant should be protected from strong winds.
Watering Needs
Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. requires plenty of water to grow and produce high yields. The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. It is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to waterlogging and affect the plant's growth adversely. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and the soil's moisture content. In hot and dry weather, the plant may require watering twice a week. In cooler weather, the plant may require less frequent watering.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and higher yields, Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. requires regular fertilization. The plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer should be applied at the rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of planting area. The fertilizer should be spread evenly around the plant and lightly worked into the soil. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced yields.
Pruning
Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. does not require pruning. However, it is important to remove any diseased or damaged plant parts as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease and pests. The plant may also require staking to support its growth and prevent it from toppling over in heavy winds. Stakes should be inserted into the ground near the plant and tied to the stem using soft twine. Care should be taken not to damage the stem when tying it to the stake.
Propagation of Dolichos ringoetii De Wild.
The plant Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. is propagated either by seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The best time to collect the seeds of Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. is during the autumn season. These seeds must be sown in a well-drained soil mix, with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. Seeds are sown at a depth of ½ inch and covered lightly with soil. The planting bed must be watered sufficiently, but the soil must be moist, not soggy. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings must be taken from mature plants in the spring season. These cuttings are about 6 inches in length and have at least two nodes. These cuttings must be dipped in a rooting hormone to promote root growth. Then, these cuttings are planted in a moist soil mix or a potting mix, and placed in a shaded area. The soil must be well-drained and should not be allowed to dry out. After three to four weeks, the cuttings will develop roots, and new growth will emerge.
Disease Management
Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. is prone to different types of diseases such as powdery mildew, anthracnose, and brown spot.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease usually shows as a powdery white or gray coating on the leaves. It can cause leaf curling, yellowing, and defoliation. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove any infected leaves. Use fungicides early on to prevent the spread of mildew. Keep leaves dry and provide proper air circulation.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes circular lesions on leaves and stems, leading to sunken cankers that can ultimately cause parts of the plant to die. Prevent anthracnose by practicing good sanitation techniques, such as removing infected leaves and stems. Fungicides may also prevent the disease.
Brown Spot: Brown spots can appear on leaves and pods, causing them to fall off. The disease thrives in wet areas and is caused by a fungal pathogen. Control brown spot by removing any infected plants or plant parts. Ensure that the plant has proper ventilation and avoid over-watering. Fungicides can help prevent brown spot spreading.
Pest Management
Dolichos ringoetii De Wild. is also vulnerable to pest infestations. Common pests that attack this plant species include spider mites, aphids, and leafhoppers.
Spider Mites: These insects can cause considerable damage to the leaves, leading to stress and death. Look for tiny, yellow-colored spots on the leaves, indicating spider mite damage. Use natural predators like ladybugs to control these pests. Horticultural oils and insecticidal sprays can be used as well.
Aphids: Aphids can cause leaf curling, yellowing and even wilting. They suck the sap out of the plant, leading to poor growth or death. Use a strong stream of water to dislodge the aphids from the plant. Insecticidal soaps and oils could be useful as well.
Leafhoppers: These pests pierce plant tissue when feeding. They can cause yellowing of leaves or severe scorching. Remove any heavily infected plants so that it does not spread to other plants. Insecticide application may prevent further damage or a biocontrol agent could be useful.
