Origin
Dolichos shuterioides Baker, also known by its common name Shuteroi Bean, is a plant species native to India and Bangladesh. It belongs to the family Fabaceae, which includes plants such as beans and peas.
Common Names
Aside from its main common name, Shuteroi Bean, Dolichos shuterioides is also called Senja, Senji, and Nunni in different regions of India.
Uses
One of the primary uses of Dolichos shuterioides is in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The plant's leaves and roots are used in herbal remedies to treat various ailments such as fever, bronchitis, and inflammation. Its seeds, which are rich in protein, are also utilized as a food source and can be cooked or roasted.
In addition to its medicinal and dietary uses, the plant has ornamental value as well. Its striking foliage and delicate pink or white flowers make it a visually appealing addition to gardens and landscapes.
Appearance
Dolichos shuterioides is a climber, reaching up to six meters in length. It has lobed leaves that are triangular or heart-shaped and grow up to ten centimeters in length. The plant's flowers, which bloom in the summer months, are small and come in shades of pink or white. Its fruit is a long, narrow pod that can reach up to twelve centimeters in length and contains the plant's seeds.
Overall, Dolichos shuterioides is a hardy and versatile plant that offers both practical and aesthetic benefits to those who cultivate it.
Growth Conditions of Dolichos Shuterioides Baker
Dolichos shuterioides Baker is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It is native to Southeast Asia, where it is commonly found in forests and along riverbanks. To grow Dolichos shuterioides Baker successfully, you need to provide it with the right growing conditions.
Light Conditions
Dolichos shuterioides Baker prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. It does well when grown under diffused sunlight or in areas with dappled shade. Intense sunlight can scorch the plant's leaves, while insufficient light can cause stunted growth and a weak stem. You need to place the plant in an area that receives 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Conditions
The ideal temperature range for Dolichos shuterioides Baker is between 20°C to 32°C. The plant does not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures and, as such, is not suitable for growing in areas with harsh winters. If you live in regions with cold, frosty winters, you can grow the plant in containers and move them indoors during winter.
Soil Requirements
Dolichos shuterioides Baker prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. Sandy loam soils, mixed with organic matter, are perfect for cultivating the plant. Avoid planting Dolichos shuterioides Baker in heavy soils that retain water, as this can lead to root rot and plant death.
Water Requirements
Dolichos shuterioides Baker requires frequent watering to thrive. Water the plant regularly, ensuring that the soil remains moist at all times. Avoid overwatering the plant, as this can cause waterlogging, leading to root rot and plant death. On the other hand, underwatering the plant can cause the leaves to wilt and die.
Fertilizer Requirements
Dolichos shuterioides Baker requires regular feeding to grow and flower. Fertilize the plant every month, using a balanced fertilizer, to supply the plant with essential nutrients. Avoid using fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, as this can lead to lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Providing the right growing conditions for Dolichos shuterioides Baker is essential to ensure that you get a healthy and vibrant plant. Pay attention to light, temperature, soil, water, and fertilizer requirements, and you will be rewarded with beautiful flowers that bloom throughout the growing season.
Cultivation
Dolichos shuterioides Baker is best grown in well-drained soil, in a location with partial shade. This plant prefers humid weather and warm temperatures, so it is typically grown in tropical or subtropical regions. Planting should be done during the rainy season to ensure the soil is moist and conducive for growth. It's advised to plant the seedlings at a spacing of 30-45cm apart.
Watering
The plant requires adequate water supply to thrive, but care should be taken not to waterlog the soil. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not too hot to prevent scorching of the foliage. Foliage should be kept dry to avoid fungal growth. It's recommended to water the plant when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential for the plant to produce healthy foliage and robust blooms. Apply a balanced fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium every four weeks during the growing season. Organic fertilizers like compost tea or manure can also be utilized to supplement the soil's nutrient content.
Pruning
Pruning should be done during the growing season to help maintain the plant's shape and prevent overgrowth. Pinch off the tips of young stems to encourage branching and promote bushier growth. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, trimming back the plant's sprawling vines will help keep it under control and direct more energy to the production of blooms.
Propagation of Dolichos shuterioides Baker
The Dolichos shuterioides Baker plant can be propagated by the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are collected from the mature pods, which have turned brown. The seeds are then cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours to soften their hard seed coat. After that, the seeds are sown into prepared beds at a depth of about 4 cm and a distance of 15 cm apart. The soil must be kept moist, and the seedlings will emerge in around 7 to 10 days after sowing.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is done by taking a 10-15 cm long cutting from a mature plant's stem during the growing season. The leaves on the lower side of the cutting are removed, and the cutting is then treated with a rooting hormone. The cutting is then placed in pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The cutting is kept moist, either by covering the pot with a plastic bag or spraying it with water regularly. The cuttings should develop roots after a few weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is best suited for mature plants that have grown large enough to be divided. The plant is dug out and divided into several smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and a few stems. The divided plant sections can then be replanted into prepared beds or pots.
Following the above propagation methods and taking proper care of the plant can help in establishing a lush and beautiful Dolichos shuterioides Baker garden.
Disease Management
Dolichos shuterioides Baker is susceptible to a variety of fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. Proper sanitation practices and a regular maintenance routine can prevent most diseases. Make sure to remove and destroy any infected plant material, improve soil drainage, and avoid overhead watering. Here are some of the most common diseases that can affect Dolichos shuterioides Baker and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the stems and leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plant material, avoid overhead watering, and improve air circulation. Fungicides may also be necessary for severe cases.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the upper surface of leaves and a fuzzy, white growth on the lower surface. To manage this disease, apply fungicides as soon as symptoms appear and remove any infected plant material. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Several pests can affect Dolichos shuterioides Baker. Early detection and proper management can prevent damage to the plant. Here are some of the most common pests and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause stunting and distortion of leaves and stems. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs can also be helpful, as they feed on aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant and cause yellowing and speckling of leaves. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve humidity levels to discourage spider mite infestations
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They feed on leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage caterpillars, you can remove them by hand or use an insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis. Proper sanitation practices can also help prevent caterpillar infestations.
