Overview
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. belongs to the Leguminosae family and is an annual or perennial climbing plant, commonly found in Africa. It is known by several common names such as Black-Eyed Bean, White-Flowered Dolichos, and Rand's Bean.
Appearance
The plant has a climbing habit, growing up to 2 m tall. It has a deep taproot system and a woody base. The leaves are composed of three leaflets, each measuring 3-8 cm long, with a rounded base and a pointed tip. The flowers are white, small, and borne in clusters. The fruit is a pod measuring up to 8 cm long.
Uses
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. is grown for its edible beans that are high in protein, fiber, and other nutrients. It is an important food crop in many African countries and is commonly used to make soup, stew, and porridge. The plant also has medicinal properties and can be used to treat various ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and liver problems.
In addition, the plant has several agronomic benefits. It is used as a cover crop to improve soil fertility, prevent erosion, and suppress weed growth. Its deep taproot system also makes it an excellent plant for soil conservation. The plant can also be used as a green manure crop or for pasture.
In some areas, the plant is used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive white flowers and climbing habit.
Growth Conditions for Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f.
Soil Requirements: Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. requires well-drained soil with good water-holding capacity. The plant thrives in sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter. The presence of rocks in the soil may cause problems with root development.
Light Requirements: Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant grows best in areas with bright light conditions. In areas with extremely hot summers, partial shade may be necessary to prevent the leaves from burning.
Temperature Requirements: Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 10°C may cause the plant to wilt, and temperatures above 40°C may cause the flowers to drop. In areas with a frost risk, the plant should be grown as an annual.
Water Requirements: Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept evenly moist. Overwatering may cause root rot, and underwatering may lead to stunted growth. It is best to water the plant early in the day, allowing the soil to dry out slightly before the next watering.
Fertilizer Requirements: Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. requires regular feeding with balanced fertilizers. The plant responds well to organic fertilizers, including compost and aged manure. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided as they may encourage the growth of foliage at the expense of flowers.
Propagation: Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. can be propagated from seed. The seeds should be sown in spring or summer in well-prepared soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate. The plant can also be propagated through cuttings taken from the softwood of the plant.
Cultivation
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soil and moderate sunlight. It can tolerate varying soil conditions, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5.
The plant is propagated from seeds that should be sown directly in the garden or in a nursery bed. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 2 cm and spaced about 10-15 cm apart. Sowing should be done during the warm months to ensure optimal germination rates.
Watering Needs
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. requires moderate watering during the growing season. The plant should be watered regularly but not overwatered as this can lead to waterlogging and root rot. It is advisable to wait until the top layer of soil is dry before watering again. During the dry season, the plant may require more frequent watering to maintain optimal health.
Fertilization
The plant requires moderate fertilization during the growing season to ensure optimal growth and development. A balanced fertilizer that provides equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium is recommended. Fertilizers should be applied at the base of the plant and lightly worked into the soil. Avoid over-fertilization as this can lead to stunted growth and poor foliage.
Pruning
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. requires minimal pruning as it has a natural shrub-like growth habit. However, pruning may be done to control the size and shape of the plant or to remove any diseased or damaged branches. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to minimize stress on the plant.
Propagation of Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f.
The plant Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. can be propagated through various methods. Some of the common propagation methods for this plant include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the easiest methods of propagating Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. Seeds are collected from the ripe pods of the plant. After collection, seeds are cleaned and sown in seed trays or planting pots filled with fertile, well-draining soil. They are covered with a thin layer of soil, kept moist, and placed in a warm and bright area. Within a few weeks, seeds germinate, and once they reach a certain stage, they are ready for transplanting.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another way to propagate Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. Cuttings can be taken from mature plants at any time during the year. Young and tender cuttings are preferred for successful propagation. Cuttings are taken in the morning when the plant is turgid and plump. The lower leaves are removed, and the cuttings are dipped in a rooting hormone. Cuttings are then planted into prepared planting pots filled with soil mix, kept moist, and placed in a shady area to prevent sun scorch. In a few weeks, roots emerge from the cuttings, and the plant begins to grow.
Division
The division is another method of propagating the Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. plant. Here, mature plants are dug out of the soil, and the root mass is divided into several sections. Each section must have healthy growth points attached to them. The divided root sections are planted in pre-prepared planting pots with soil mix. Watering regularly and placing them in a bright but shady area can result in successfully propagated parts developing into mature plants.
These are some of the common methods of propagating Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. This plant is relatively easy to propagate and maintain, making it a commonly grown plant among plant enthusiasts.
Disease Management
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. is susceptible to various diseases that can damage the plant. The most common diseases that affect Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. are fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, anthracnose, and leaf spot disease.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. It causes a white powdery substance to appear on the plant's leaves, flowers, and stems. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to remove affected parts and destroy them. Applying a fungicide can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that affects Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. It causes brown or black spots on the leaves, flowers, and pods of the plant. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to remove affected parts and destroy them. Applying a fungicide can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf spot disease is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot disease, it is essential to remove affected parts and destroy them. Applying a fungicide can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. is susceptible to various pests that can damage the plant. The most common pests that affect Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker var. randii Baker f. are aphids, thrips, and spider mites.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, and flowers. To manage aphids, it is essential to remove them manually or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the plant's tissue. They can cause discoloration, browning, and distortion of the leaves and flowers. To manage thrips, it is essential to remove them manually or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the plant's leaves, causing yellowing, browning, and distortion. To manage spider mites, it is essential to remove affected parts and destroy them. Applying a miticide can also help prevent the spread of the pest.
