Dolichos Trinervis De Wild.

Introduction

Dolichos trinervis De Wild. is a climbing plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is widely distributed in the tropical regions of Africa.

Common Names

Dolichos trinervis De Wild. is known by several common names such as Wild Beans, Three-nerved Dolichos, and Bush Bean.

Appearance

The plant is a climbing shrub with a woody stem and slender twining branches. The leaves are trifoliolate, each leaflet being 2-3 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are small and white, and they are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a linear pod that measures 10-20 cm long and 1 cm wide.

Uses

The seeds of Dolichos trinervis De Wild are edible and are consumed by both humans and animals. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, asthma, and rheumatism. The leaves of the plant are sometimes used in the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema. In addition, the plant is used as a green manure and for soil conservation in agroforestry systems.

Growth Conditions for Dolichos Trinervis De Wild.

Dolichos trinervis De Wild. is a plant species that is native to Africa and it mainly grows in tropical regions. The following are the typical growth conditions for Dolichos trinervis De Wild.

Light

This plant species prefers bright, indirect light. Therefore, it is ideal to grow it in an area with partial shade. Direct sunlight can be damaging to the plant resulting in leaves bleaching or wilting. Indoors, placing the plant in a room that receives bright light with a curtain for filter protection is crucial to its proper growth.

Temperature

Dolichos trinervis De Wild. thrives in average room temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the plant is 68-75°F (20-24°C). Temperatures above 77°F (25°C) may cause the plant to wilt or even stop growing. The plant's environment should maintain a consistent temperature to avoid temperature shocks that could prevent growth or even hamper the plant's overall health.

Soil Requirements

The plant prefers a well-drained, loamy soil which is rich in organic matter. Adding a compost-based soil mix to the potting soil provides the necessary nutrients, making it easier for the plant to grow and thrive. The soil pH level required for Dolichos trinervis De Wild. is slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of between 6.0 and 7.0.

A healthy soil nutrient balance is crucial to the plant's growth. You can top-dress the soil with well-rotted manure to nourish the soil, adding vital nutrients. You may choose to use a slow-release fertilizer as occasional feeding goes a long way in keeping the plant healthy.

By providing optimal light, temperature, and proper soil nutrients, Dolichos trinervis De Wild. will be a thriving addition to your indoor space or garden.

Cultivation Methods for Dolichos trinervis De Wild.

Dolichos trinervis De Wild. grows well in tropical and subtropical regions with warm and humid climates. Cultivate the plant in well-draining soil, and make sure that it receives plenty of sunshine.

Start your Dolichos trinervis De Wild. plantation by planting the seeds in small pots, covering them with soil, and watering them gently. Keep the soil moist enough, but not watery. Transplant the seedlings to a larger container or directly onto the ground when they reach 10 to 15 centimeters tall.

Watering Needs for Dolichos trinervis De Wild.

To help your Dolichos trinervis De Wild. grow properly, water the plant regularly. Make sure that the soil remains moist and that the roots do not dry out. However, do not over-water the plant since it can drown the roots.

Water the plant only when the soil has started to dry out. Check the soil regularly by inserting your finger into it and see if it is still moist. If the soil remains wet, wait for a few more days before watering again. When watering, water deeply to reach the roots instead of just moistening the surface soil.

Fertilization for Dolichos trinervis De Wild.

Dolichos trinervis De Wild. needs regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. Use organic fertilizers like compost or cow manure since they release nutrients slowly and gently and won't damage the roots. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant, making sure to spread it evenly around the roots.

Avoid using synthetic or chemical fertilizers, which can be harmful to the plant, the soil, and the environment.

Pruning Dolichos trinervis De Wild.

Pruning helps promote robust growth in Dolichos trinervis De Wild. Cut back any dead, diseased, or damaged branches or foliage as soon as you notice them. Additionally, prune the plant to maintain a desirable shape, size, and density.

Trim the top of the plant early in the growing season to encourage lateral growth. Pinch off the tips of the growing shoots when they reach about 15 centimeters tall to promote branching. However, avoid excessive pruning since it can stress the plant and reduce its yield.

Propagation of Dolichos trinervis De Wild.

Dolichos trinervis De Wild., commonly known as the thicket bean, is a tropical plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is found in tropical Africa, specifically in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and is used to treat various illnesses.

Propagation Methods

Dolichos trinervis De Wild. can be propagated through two methods, namely:

Seeds

Seeds are the most common way to propagate Dolichos trinervis De Wild. The seeds of this plant are large and hard-coated, making them easy to handle. Here are the steps to follow when propagating the thicket bean through seeds:

1. Collect mature seeds from the plant.
2. Clean the seeds to remove any debris or dirt.
3. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the hard coating.
4. Plant the seeds in a good quality soil mixture with organic matter.
5. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
6. Place the pot in a warm, brightly lit place, avoiding direct sunlight.
7. The seeds will germinate in about two weeks.

Cuttings

Dolichos trinervis De Wild. can also be propagated through cuttings. Here are the steps to follow when propagating the thicket bean through cuttings:

1. Take a 10-15 cm cutting from the plant.
2. Remove leaves from the lower end of the cutting.
3. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder.
4. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a soil mixture of sand and organic matter.
5. Water the cutting and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse-like environment.
6. Place the pot in a warm, bright spot but avoid direct sunlight.
7. Roots will start to grow in about three weeks.

Overall, Dolichos trinervis De Wild. is a relatively easy plant to propagate. Whether through seed or cuttings, the thicket bean will reward you with its beautiful foliage and medicinal properties.

Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos trinervis De Wild.

Dolichos trinervis De Wild., also known as the three-nerved wild bean, is an ornamental and edible plant that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Managing these diseases and pests is crucial to maintain the plant's health and productivity. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.

Common Diseases

Leaf spots: Leaf spots are caused by fungal infections and appear as yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage them, remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead irrigation.

Anthracnose: Anthracnose is also a fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected plants, practicing crop rotation, and using fungicides.

Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage by adding organic matter and avoid overwatering.

Common Pests

Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that cause the leaves to curl and can transmit viral diseases. To manage them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and encourage natural predators like ladybugs.

Bean fly: Bean flies are small, grey-black flies that lay their eggs on the leaves, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage them, remove and destroy infected leaves, use sticky traps, and apply insecticides.

Cutworm: Cutworms are the caterpillar of a moth that cuts through the stems of the plant, causing wilting and death. To manage cutworms, remove debris and weeds around the plant, use collars around the plant, and apply insecticides.

By practicing good cultural practices like maintaining good hygiene, watering at the base of the plant, and avoiding overcrowding, the risk of diseases and pests can be minimized. Early detection and prompt management can also help prevent the diseases and pests from spreading and causing irreversible damage to the plant.