Origin
Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family, and is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Madagascar and Mauritius.
Common Names
Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich. is commonly known as the slender-pod bean, black catjang, or black vigna in English. In Africa, it is known by different names, such as kinito in Ethiopia and pili ya chungu in Tanzania.
Uses
The seeds of Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich. are used for human consumption in various ways. They can be boiled, steamed, or roasted and eaten as a side dish or snack. In some African countries, the seeds are milled to produce flour that is used for making porridge and bread. The leaves of the plant are also used as a vegetable, and the roots have medicinal properties and are used for treating certain ailments.
General Appearance
Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich. is a twining, annual or perennial vine that can grow up to 3 meters long. The leaves are compound and alternate, with three leaflets that are ovate to circular in shape, and have a smooth surface, a pointed tip, and curved edges. The flowers are borne on racemes and are bright pink to purple in color. The pods are slender and elongated, measuring up to 20 cm in length, and contain 6-12 seeds that are black or dark brown in color.
Light Requirements
The Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich. plant prefers growing in full sun exposure. It can also tolerate partial shade, but the plant's growth and flowering will be best in areas with direct sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
When it comes to temperature, the Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich. plant is best suited for warm regions. The plant can thrive in temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 °C. Anything below 15°C can lead to freezing of the plant leaves, damage of the roots and eventually death. In areas where the minimum temperature goes below 15°C, it is advisable to grow the plant in a greenhouse or under a shade suitable for regulation of temperature, depending on the type of climate.
Soil Requirements
The Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich. plant thrives best in fertile, well-draining soils. It requires soil which is rich in organic matter, and it should also be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The soil should have enough moisture retention capacity but not cloggy to avoid waterlogging and promote aeration. A recommended soil mixture should be a blend of sand, clay, and compost manure.
Cultivation
The Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich. plant prefers a warm and humid climate with full sun exposure. Grow it in well-drain soil that is rich in organic matter for optimum growth. The plant requires regular weeding, and it grows well in both container gardens and open fields.
Watering Needs
The plant needs frequent watering, especially during the dry season, and the soil should not dry out completely. However, avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot and affect its growth. It would be best to water the plant during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid water evaporation.
Fertilization
An occasional application of organic fertilizer can enhance the growth and yield of Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich. plant. Apply the fertilizer in a circular form around the plant and mix it mildly with the soil. You should fertilize the plant only during the growing period for the best results.
Pruning
Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich plant requires periodic pruning of branches to improve the yield and the quality of the pods. Prune the plant during the last stage of fruiting, and cut off the branches that are less productive. Proper pruning allows the plant to channel its energies towards producing quality pods and ensures a healthy harvest.
Propagation of Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich., commonly known as the monkey ladder vine or slender-podded dolichos, is a perennial plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Sub-Saharan Africa and is appreciated for its edible pods and attractive flowers. Propagation of Dolichos stenocarpus can be done through three methods: seed propagation, stem cutting, and grafting.
Seed propagation
The most common way to propagate Dolichos stenocarpus is through seeds. Seeds should be collected from fully matured pods and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. Germination usually occurs within a week, and seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after four to six weeks.
Stem cutting
Propagation through stem cutting is another option for Dolichos stenocarpus. Cuttings should be taken from a mature, healthy plant during the dormant season. Cut the stem at an angle and remove the leaves from the lower portion of the cutting. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture. Water the cutting regularly and keep it in a cool, shaded area until it establishes roots.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagation and is typically done to propagate desirable cultivars. The desired cultivar is grafted onto a rootstock of a related species. The rootstock provides a strong root system, while the desired cultivar provides the desired qualities such as better yield or taste. In the case of Dolichos stenocarpus, grafting is not commonly done as it is a relatively easy plant to seed propagate and stem cutting.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich. is a leguminous vine that is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can reduce its yield and quality. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of Dolichos stenocarpus. It causes dark, sunken lesions on the plant, which can eventually lead to defoliation and poor yield. The disease spreads rapidly in wet conditions.
To manage anthracnose, use disease-resistant cultivars, maintain proper plant spacing, and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Root Rot: This is a soil-borne disease caused by fungi that attacks the roots of Dolichos stenocarpus. It causes yellowing of leaves, wilting, and stunted growth of the plant.
To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and use disease-resistant cultivars. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They cause distortion of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield.
To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or oil, which can be sprayed on the plant. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can also be introduced to control their population.
Cutworms: These are caterpillars that feed on the stem of the plant, causing wilting and death of the plant.
To manage cutworms, remove plant debris and weeds, which provide a breeding ground for the pest. Use biological control methods such as nematodes or Bacillus thuringiensis to control their population. Pesticides can also be used to control cutworms, but they should be used as a last resort.
By implementing proper disease and pest management techniques, you can ensure a healthy and productive crop of Dolichos stenocarpus Hochst. ex A.Rich.
