Overview
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker forma angustifoliolatus Baker f. is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the narrow-leaved jack bean. It is a subshrub with a climbing or trailing growth habit.
Origin
The narrow-leaved jack bean is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as narrow-leaved jack bean, long-stemmed jack bean, and climbing jack bean.
Uses
The plant has various traditional uses in Africa. The leaves and roots of the plant are used as a remedy for stomach ache, diarrhea, and constipation. The plant contains alkaloids that have been shown to have antimicrobial properties. It is also used as a cover crop in agriculture to suppress weeds and improve soil fertility. The plant can fix nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that can be used by other plants.
General Appearance
The narrow-leaved jack bean is a subshrub that can climb or trail along the ground. The plant has thin stems that can grow up to 2 meters long. The leaves are alternate, compound, and have 3 to 9 leaflets, each leaflet is around 2-7 cm long. The flowers are borne in axillary or racemose inflorescences with white, pink or purple petals. The fruit is a flat and elongated pod, around 15-30 cm long, containing 3-6 seeds.
Growth Conditions for Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker forma angustifoliolatus Baker f.
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker forma angustifoliolatus Baker f. is a plant that thrives in certain environmental conditions. The following sections describe the typical growth conditions of this plant.
Light Requirements
This plant requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It cannot tolerate shade, so it should be planted in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, artificial light will be needed to provide the necessary light requirements.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in temperatures between 20-30°C, with a minimum temperature of 15°C. It is important to protect the plant from frost and extreme temperatures, which can damage or kill the plant. A well-draining soil can help regulate soil temperature during extreme temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. It can grow in both acidic and alkaline soils. The ideal soil pH for this plant ranges between 5.8-7.5. Soil with a high percentage of clay can be amended with organic material to improve drainage and fertility. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can cause root rot and damage to the plant.
In conclusion, providing the appropriate environmental conditions for Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker forma angustifoliolatus Baker f. is essential for its growth and survival. Full sunlight, moderate temperatures, and well-draining nutrient-rich soil are the key factors to consider when planting this species.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker forma angustifoliolatus Baker f. is a hardy plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It is best to plant the seeds in the spring, and they should be sown at a depth of 1 cm in the soil. The germination of the seeds occurs within 5-7 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted to the main field after about a month of growth.
Watering Needs
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker forma angustifoliolatus Baker f. requires regular watering to grow well. The plant requires moist soil, but care must be taken not to overwater it. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. The frequency of watering depends on the weather conditions and the type of soil. In hot and dry weather, the plant may need to be watered twice a week, while in cooler conditions, the plant can be watered once a week.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to grow and produce a good yield. Balanced fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be used. The fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, starting from the second week after transplanting. Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker forma angustifoliolatus Baker f. is a leguminous plant that fixes nitrogen from the air, so fertilizers with high nitrogen content may not be necessary.
Pruning
To promote healthy growth and to maintain the shape of the plant, pruning is essential. Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker forma angustifoliolatus Baker f. requires light pruning to remove dead or diseased stems and leaves. Pruning can be done during the growing season as needed. However, care should be taken not to over-prune the plant as this can reduce its yield.
Propagation of Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker forma angustifoliolatus Baker f.
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker forma angustifoliolatus Baker f. is a perennial plant that can be propagated by both sexual and asexual means. The propagation method used depends on the availability of resources and tools.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds can be collected from the plant during the dry season when the pods have matured and are dry. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until the planting season. Before planting, the seeds should be scarified to soften the hard coat and increase the chances of germination. Scarification can be done by soaking the seeds in hot water for thirty minutes or by nicking the seed coat with a knife. The seeds can then be planted in well-drained soil with a pH of 6 to 7 and a temperature of 25 °C to 30 °C.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker forma angustifoliolatus Baker f. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants during the vegetative stage. They should be about 15 cm long and have at least three nodes. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and kept in a humid environment until they establish roots. The humid environment can be created by covering the cuttings with a clear plastic bag or by placing them in a misting chamber.
Propagation by division
The plant can also be propagated by dividing the root clumps. This method is best suited for older plants that have developed multiple stems. The plant should be dug up, and the root clumps should be separated into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one stem and some roots attached. The sections should be planted immediately in well-drained soil and watered thoroughly.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos Stipulosus Welw. Ex Baker Forma Angustifoliolatus Baker f.
Dolichos Stipulosus Welw. ex Baker forma angustifoliolatus Baker f. is a plant species that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Proper management and prevention measures are necessary to ensure healthy and strong growth of the plant. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect Dolichos stipulosus and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause irregularly shaped brown or black spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can also cause twig dieback and cankers on the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide to protect the plant from further damage.
Bacterial Blight: This disease is caused by a bacterium that can cause wilting, leaf spots, and blighting on the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Apply a copper-based fungicide to protect the plant from further damage.
Mosaic Virus: This virus can cause yellow mottling on the leaves and stunted growth of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plants and avoid using infected plant material for propagation. Avoid contact with infected plants and practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus.
Common Pests
Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can cause curling and distortion of leaves, as well as stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage this pest, spray the plant with water to dislodge the aphids or apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs can also be effective.
Cutworms: These caterpillars can cut the seedlings at the base of the stem, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage this pest, handpick and destroy the cutworms or apply a biological insecticide like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellow stippling on the leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage this pest, spray the plant with water to wash away the mites or apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging natural predators like predatory mites and lacewings can also be effective.
By implementing proper prevention and management measures, gardeners and farmers can successfully grow Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker forma angustifoliolatus Baker f. without being affected by diseases and pests.
