Dolichos soja L.: Overview
Dolichos soja L., also known as soybean or soy, is a species of legume native to East Asia that has been cultivated for thousands of years. This plant has become one of the most important crops in the world for its many uses, from food to animal feed to biofuels.
General Appearance
Dolichos soja L. is an annual plant that can grow up to two meters tall. It has a bushy, green stem covered with small, three-lobed leaves that are about five centimeters long. The plant produces clusters of small, white or lavender flowers that are about one centimeter long.
As the plant matures, it produces elongated pods that contain two to four seeds each. The seeds are small, light brown, and shaped like a kidney. They are densely packed inside the pod and are surrounded by a fibrous, edible coating.
Common Names
Dolichos soja L. is commonly known by its English name, soybean. However, it also has many other names in different languages, such as:
- Japanese: daizu
- Korean: kong
- Mandarin Chinese: dòu
- Spanish: soya
Uses
Dolichos soja L. has a wide range of uses, from food to animal feed to industrial applications. The most common use of soybeans is as a source of protein for human consumption. In many cultures, soybeans are eaten as a whole food or processed into a variety of products, such as tofu, soy milk, miso, and tempeh.
In addition to being a food source for humans, soybeans are also used as feed for livestock, particularly for poultry and swine. The high protein content of soybeans makes them an ideal supplement to corn and other grains that are typically used in animal feed.
Finally, soybeans can be used for a variety of industrial applications. Soy oil, for example, is used as a cooking oil and as a base for a variety of products, such as biodiesel and industrial lubricants. Soybeans can also be processed into a variety of non-food products, such as adhesives, plastics, and textiles.
Light Requirements
The plant Dolichos soja L. is known to grow best in areas with full sunlight exposure. When grown in shaded areas, the productivity of its fruits and its overall growth are significantly reduced.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Dolichos soja L. is between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The plant is susceptible to frost and needs protection during periods with temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. Additionally, high temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius can cause heat stress and stunted growth, so it is important to maintain a stable temperature around the optimal range.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers a well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 5.6 to 6.0. It also requires adequate soil moisture, but excessive watering should be avoided to prevent the roots from rotting. Dolichos soja L. can tolerate different soil types, but it grows best in loamy or sandy soils with good fertility and organic matter content. The addition of nitrogen-rich fertilizers can significantly improve soil fertility and promote plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos soja L. is a warm-season crop that grows best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. Sow the seeds 1-2 inches deep, spaced 4-6 inches apart, in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. Ensure the seeds are sown after the last frost date and once the soil temperatures have risen above 60°F in the spring. Provide support systems such as trellises or stakes for the plants to climb on, as they tend to sprawl across the ground.
Watering Needs
Ensure the soil is evenly moist throughout the growth cycle. The plants require approximately 1 inch of water per week, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot and fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 16-16-16 at the time of planting. Additionally, side dress the plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when they begin to flower. Alternatively, you may apply compost or manure to the soil before planting to serve as a slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Dolichos soja L., but it is beneficial to remove dead or diseased leaves and stems regularly. This promotes air circulation and reduces the likelihood of fungal disease. Additionally, you may pinch the tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth and support the climbing habit.
Propagation of Dolichos soja L.
Dolichos soja L., known commonly as soybean, is a popular crop plant worldwide for its high protein content and numerous health benefits. The cultivation of soybean involves different steps, including propagation, which is the process of multiplying the plant to establish new ones.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Dolichos soja L. is through seeds. The seeds are usually sown directly in the field or raised in seedbeds before transplanting. Seed propagation is advantageous, as it allows for genetic purity and controlled crossing of various cultivars. In addition, it is cost-effective, easy to manage, and has a high success rate.
To ensure quality seed propagation, it is essential to choose high-quality seeds that are free from diseases and pests. The seeds should also be stored properly to maintain their viability. Sowing of seeds should be done at the appropriate time when the weather is favorable. After sowing, the seedlings require proper care, including watering, weeding, and protection from pests and diseases.
Cutting Propagation
An alternative method of propagating Dolichos soja L. is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and planting them in suitable growing media until they develop roots and new shoots. Cutting propagation is an excellent method for propagating cultivars that do not produce viable seeds or for breeding plants that are difficult to propagate through seeds.
To propagate through cutting, select disease-free, mature shoots with at least two nodes and cuttings that are four to six inches long. Remove the bottom leaves, dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone solution, and plant them in a rooting medium. Maintain a high humidity level and provide shade until the cuttings root. Transplant the rooted cuttings into pots or the field, and continue to care for them until they are well established.
Grafting Propagation
An advanced and less common method of propagating Dolichos soja L. is through grafting. Grafting is the process of joining two separate plants together to form a single plant with desirable characteristics. This method is useful for propagating plants that have weak root systems, resistant to pest or disease, or for creating new cultivars through cross-pollination.
Grafting usually involves a scion (the desired part of the plant) and a rootstock (a plant with a healthy root system). The scion, usually a stem or bud, is attached to the rootstock, which is usually growing in a separate pot or in the field. The two plants are bound together to allow the plants to grow together and form a single, healthy plant.
Grafting is a complicated method of propagation and requires more knowledge and skills. This method is usually done by experts in the field and is not commonly used in the commercial production of soybeans.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos soja L.
Dolichos soja L., also known as soybean vine, is a legume crop that is widely grown for its edible seeds. However, like all crops, Dolichos soja L. is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can significantly reduce its yield and quality.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Dolichos soja L. is soybean rust. It is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and premature leaf dropout. It can also cause defoliation and severe yield losses if left unmanaged. To manage soybean rust, growers should plant resistant cultivars and use fungicides before the onset of the infection.
Another common disease of Dolichos soja L. is sudden death syndrome. It is a soil-borne disease that causes sudden wilting, yellowing, and necrosis of the leaves. It can also cause root rot and seedling death. To manage sudden death syndrome, growers should avoid planting in fields with a history of the disease and use fungicides and biological control agents.
Common Pests
Dolichos soja L. is also prone to various pest problems that can cause significant damage to the crops. Some of the most common pests include aphids, stink bugs, and bean leaf beetles.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant and transmit viruses. They can cause leaf curling and stunted growth. To manage aphids, growers should use insecticides, natural predators, and resistant cultivars.
Stink bugs are a serious pest of Dolichos soja L. They feed on the pods and seeds, causing discoloration and shriveling. To manage stink bugs, growers should plant early-maturing varieties, use insecticides, and incorporate cultural practices such as crop rotation and tillage.
Bean leaf beetles are another common pest of Dolichos soja L. They feed on the foliage and cause defoliation, reducing plant vigor and yield. To manage bean leaf beetles, growers should use insecticides, natural predators, and resistant cultivars.
Conclusion
In conclusion, disease and pest management are important aspects of Dolichos soja L. cultivation. Growers should implement integrated pest and disease management strategies that include cultural, chemical, and biological control measures. By doing so, they can reduce the impact of pests and diseases on crop yield and quality.
