Description of Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc.
Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc. is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the three-lobed bean or African beans. This plant is native to West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Senegal, and The Gambia, but it is now widely distributed in other tropical regions worldwide, including Asia, America, and Australia.
General Appearance
The three-lobed bean is a perennial climbing herb that can grow up to 3 meters long. Its stem is woody, and its leaves are trifoliate with a long petiole. The leaflets are elliptical with pointed tips and have a smooth surface, dark green color, and a length of about 5 to 10 cm. The flowers of this plant are small, purple, and arranged in clusters on long stalks.
The fruit of Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc. is a long, narrow, and straight pod that measures about 15 to 30 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. The pod is green when young and turns yellow when mature. Inside the pod are kidney-shaped seeds of about 1 cm long, and each pod has about 8 to 12 seeds.
Uses of Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc.
Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc. is primarily used for food and medicinal purposes. The seeds are cooked and eaten like soybeans, either fresh or dried, and are a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. In West Africa, the seeds are usually cooked with rice or made into a sauce and served with cassava or yams. The leaves of this plant are also edible and can be cooked as a vegetable.
The seeds of the three-lobed bean are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including infertility, liver and kidney diseases, and hypertension. The root of the plant is used to treat diarrhea, while the leaf extract is used to relieve pain caused by rheumatism and arthritis.
In addition to its food and medicinal uses, Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc. is also used as a cover crop to improve soil fertility. The plant's deep-rooted system helps prevent erosion, fix nitrogen in the soil, and provide a source of organic matter to the soil. In some areas, this plant is also used as an ornamental plant in home gardens and landscaping.
Growth Conditions of Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc.
Light: Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc. requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It cannot tolerate shade or partial shade, and therefore should be grown in areas with abundant sunshine.
Temperature: This plant is best suited for warm to hot temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. The ideal temperature range for growth lies between 25°C to 35°C. The plant can survive in lower temperatures, but growth is greatly inhibited.
Soil Requirements: Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc. grows best in well-drained soils with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. It is able to tolerate slightly acidic soils, but not alkaline soils. The soil should be nutrient-rich, as the plant requires adequate nutrients for good growth.
Water: The plant requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so care should be taken to avoid waterlogged soil.
Fertilization: Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc. requires regular fertilization to ensure good growth. Fertilizers high in nitrogen should be used during the vegetative growth stage to promote healthy foliage development. Phosphorus-rich fertilizers should be applied during the flowering stage to promote abundant flowering and fruiting.
Maintenance: Maintaining the plant involves regular pruning to control its growth and shape. Dead or yellow leaves should be removed as they appear. Additionally, regular pest and disease control measures should be taken to keep the plant healthy.
Cultivation methods
Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc. is commonly known as the Western Three-lobed Bean. The plant is usually grown in tropical regions, with its origin being traced to Ethiopia, East Africa. It thrives well in well-drained soil with a pH value ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. You can cultivate Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc. by sowing seeds directly on the prepared nursery bed or in containers, then transplant them later on.
Watering needs
During the initial stages of growth, it is recommended to provide sufficient water to ensure moist soil conditions consistently. Once the plant is well established, it may require watering as necessary. You should avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to become waterlogged as this may lead to root rot or plant death.
Fertilization
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 7-7-7, which is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as the plant requires all three elements for healthy growth. You can apply the fertilizer once a month to provide the necessary nutrients to the plant to ensure optimum growth. Additionally, you may also use organic matter, such as compost, to supplement the fertilizer.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc. helps to promote bushier growth and increase yields. You can start pruning the plant once it reaches a height of about six inches. You should remove the top two to three leaves of the plant to encourage the plant's production of lateral shoots. For plants grown on trellises, it is necessary to prune the lateral branches to promote vertical growth. Additionally, you should remove any dead, diseased, or damaged plant parts to prevent the spread of infections.
Propagation of Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc.
Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc. can be propagated by seeds as well as by vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
The plant produces seeds that can be collected when they are matured on the mother plant. The collected seeds can be sowed in the prepared soil bed or in the planting containers filled with the soil mix. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 1 to 2 cm and covered with soil. Water the soil bed or container gently after sowing the seeds. Ensure that the soil is kept moist until germination.
Germination usually takes about 10 to 15 days. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots or the desired location when they have grown to a height of about 10 cm.
Vegetative Propagation
Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc. can also be propagated vegetatively through cuttings. Stem cuttings of about 15 to 20 cm length can be collected from the healthy mother plant. Cut the stem just below a node and remove all the leaves from the stem except for the top 2 or 3 leaves.
Dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone and plant it in a container filled with pre-moistened soil or in the prepared soil bed. Water the cutting gently and keep the soil moist. The cutting should develop roots in about 3 to 4 weeks. After the roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted into the desired location.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc.
Dolichos trilobus L. subsp. occidentalis Verdc., commonly known as the West African Cowpea, is a crop that is grown for both its edible seeds and its ornamental value. However, this plant is also susceptible to various diseases and pests that may cause significant yield losses if not appropriately managed. Let's consider some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes small, circular, sunken spots on the leaves and pods of the plant, which eventually turn brown and black. The disease can spread rapidly through the plant in wet weather conditions. To manage anthracnose, farmers can take preventive measures like planting resistant cultivars, removing infected plants, and avoiding overhead watering.
Mosaic viruses: These viruses cause mottling, yellowing, and stunting of the plant, leading to a significant reduction in yield. Avoidance of infected farm tools, planting of virus-free seeds, and spraying of insecticides to prevent aphid vectors of the virus are essential ways to manage mosaic viruses.
Fusarium Wilt: This soil-borne disease causes rotting of the roots, leading to wilting of the leaves and darkening of the stem. Crop rotation, seed treatment with fungicides, and application of Bacillus subtilis can help manage Fusarium wilt.
Common Pests
Aphids: These insects can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, weakening the growth of the crop. To control aphids, farmers can use insecticides or natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Cowpea Pod Borer: This pest feeds on the pods of the plant, causing significant yield losses. The use of pest-resistant varieties, pheromone traps, and application of appropriate insecticides can help control this pest.
Cutworms: These soil pests cut the stem of the plant near the soil level, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, farmers can use insecticides, handpicking, or the use of cardboard collars around the stem of the plant.
In conclusion, proper management of diseases and pests is crucial for maximizing crop yield and quality. Farmers should use appropriate preventive and curative measures to manage diseases and pests effectively.
