Overview of Dolichos umbellatus Thunb.
Dolichos umbellatus Thunb. is a flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. This legume plant is commonly called as butter beans, ricebeans or dew beans. It is native to tropical regions of Asia, including Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
General Appearance
Dolichos umbellatus Thunb. is a climbing plant that can grow up to 2 meters or more in height. The stems are thin, cylindrical, and pubescent. It has trifoliate leaves, with oblong or ovate leaflets that are dark green and hairless. The plant also produces white or pinkish flowers in clusters, and the fruit is a flattened legume that is about 6 to 12 cm in length.
Uses
Dolichos umbellatus Thunb. is widely used in Asian cuisine. The seeds are commonly consumed as a source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. In Southeast Asia, the beans are often used to make desserts, such as ice cream and jelly. The leaves have medicinal properties and can be used to treat skin diseases, fever, and respiratory problems.
Dolichos umbellatus Thunb. is also widely cultivated as a forage crop, and it is used as animal feed in many parts of the world. Additionally, it can be grown as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and increase soil fertility.
In conclusion, Dolichos umbellatus Thunb. is a versatile plant that provides food, medicine, and agricultural benefits. Its cultivation and consumption have contributed to the livelihoods and well-being of people in many parts of the world.
Growth conditions for Dolichos umbellatus Thunb.
Dolichos umbellatus Thunb., commonly known as the rice bean, is a twining, herbaceous vine species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant grows up to two meters in height and produces small, white or purple flowers and flattened pods containing six to ten seeds. The following are the typical growth conditions for this species:
Light
The rice bean plant requires abundant sunlight to grow and produce a good yield. It thrives in bright light and can tolerate partial shade. A minimum of six hours of full sun exposure is recommended for optimal growth and development.
Temperature
Dolichos umbellatus Thunb. is a warm-season crop that requires a long growing season to reach maturity. The optimal temperature range for the plant is 20-30°C. It does not tolerate frost, and seeds should only be sown after all danger of frost has passed. It grows best in areas with a minimum temperature of 15°C and a maximum temperature of 35°C.
Soil requirements
The rice bean plant prefers well-drained, fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. It performs best in soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The plant is not tolerant to waterlogged soils, and it is recommended to avoid planting in areas prone to flooding. The recommended soil depth is at least 30 cm to allow for adequate root development.
Cultivation of Dolichos umbellatus Thunb.
Dolichos umbellatus Thunb., also known as the rice bean, is a tropical plant that thrives in warm weather. It is commonly grown in India, China, and Southeast Asia. To cultivate Dolichos umbellatus Thunb. successfully, it is important to adhere to the following guidelines:
- The plant requires full sunlight and well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil pH should hover between 6.0 and 7.0.
- The seeds are typically sown in the spring, after the last frost, and can be transplanted after two to three weeks.
- Row spacing should be 60 cm, and the plant should be spaced between 30 cm to 45 cm apart.
- The plant reaches a height of 40-60 cm and produces upright, cylindrical pods that measure around 15 cm in length.
- The plant is self-pollinating and can reach maturity within 80 to 90 days of planting.
Watering Needs
Dolichos umbellatus Thunb. requires adequate watering for optimal growth and production. The plant prefers moderate to high humidity levels and moist soil. However, it is crucial to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. Watering should be done deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.
Fertilization
Dolichos umbellatus Thunb. is a leguminous plant, which means it can fix atmospheric nitrogen. However, it also requires potassium, phosphorus, and micronutrients for proper growth. Fertilization should be carried out during the vegetative stage and flowering stages. Cow manure, compost, or a balanced fertilizer can be used to meet the plant's nutrient requirements. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and low yields.
Pruning
Pruning of Dolichos umbellatus Thunb. is not generally required unless the plant becomes too bushy and top-heavy. In such cases, pruning can be done to remove diseased, damaged, or dead branches. This can improve ventilation and light penetration, leading to increased yield and better quality produce. Pruning should be done during the early stages of growth to avoid damaging the plant's stem and branches.
Propagation of Dolichos umbellatus Thunb.
Dolichos umbellatus Thunb., commonly known as the rice bean, produces small, oval-shaped seeds that are used to propagate the plant. The rice bean is a hardy and vigorous grower and can be propagated easily through both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Dolichos umbellatus Thunb. is through seed. The seeds should be collected from healthy plants and should be mature, plump, and firm. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat before planting.
The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in containers filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 inches and spaced 4-6 inches apart. Water the newly planted seeds thoroughly, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
The seeds will germinate within 7-14 days, and the seedlings will begin to develop their first true leaves after 3-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a strong root system, they can be transplanted to their permanent growing locations.
Vegetative Propagation
Dolichos umbellatus Thunb. can also be propagated through vegetative methods, including stem cuttings and division of established plants.
To propagate through stem cuttings, select healthy stems with several nodes and cut them into 4-6 inch sections. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem cuttings, dip the cut ends in rooting hormone, and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Water the cuttings thoroughly, and keep them moist until they develop roots and establish themselves as new plants.
To propagate through division of established plants, carefully dig up the plant and divide the root system into several sections. Each section should have several shoots and a healthy root system. Replant the divisions in their permanent growing locations, and water them thoroughly.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos umbellatus Thunb.
Dolichos umbellatus Thunb., also known as the rice bean, is a leguminous crop that is widely cultivated in Asia. To maintain the plant's health and maximize yields, proper disease and pest management should be implemented. The following are some common diseases and pests that may affect Dolichos umbellatus Thunb. and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken spots on leaves and pods, and can lead to plant death. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant debris, practice crop rotation, and use fungicides as needed.
Rust: Rust appears as small, reddish-brown pustules on leaves and stems. It can cause defoliation and stunted growth. To manage rust, remove and destroy infected plant debris, and use fungicides as needed.
Bacterial wilt: This disease causes wilting, yellowing, and eventual plant death. It is caused by a bacterial pathogen that can persist in soil. To manage bacterial wilt, remove and destroy infected plant debris, practice crop rotation, and use disease-resistant varieties.
Pests
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects attack young leaves and stems, and secrete honeydew that can lead to sooty mold growth. To manage aphids, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, use insecticidal soap sprays, or use reflective mulch to deter them from settling on plants.
Cutworms: Cutworms cut seedlings at the base, causing plant death. To manage cutworms, use physical barriers, such as collars made of cardboard or plastic, around the base of plants. Apply biological control methods like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or parasitic nematodes.
Bean leaf beetle: This pest feeds on foliage and can defoliate entire plants. To manage bean leaf beetle, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil, or practice crop rotation.
By following these disease and pest management practices, growers can ensure a healthy and productive crop of Dolichos umbellatus Thunb.
