Origin
Dolichos unguiculatus L. is commonly known as southern pea, cowpea, and black-eyed pea. It is a native to West Africa and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world.
Common Names
The plant has various common names based on the region such as southern pea, cowpea, black-eyed pea, China bean, Macassar bean, southern bean, crowder pea, field pea, lubia, niebe, frijol de lima, and wele.
Uses
The plant is an important source of protein and other essential nutrients for many people in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The plant is consumed as fresh, dried, or canned food. The plant is also used as fodder for animals. The roots and leaves of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as malaria, stomach aches, and diabetes.
General Appearance
The plant Dolichos unguiculatus L. is an annual vine that grows up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are trifoliate with elliptic leaflets that are 4-10 cm long and 2-6 cm broad. The flowers are white or pale violet. The fruit is a linear pod, 15-30 cm long, and 1-2.5 cm broad, which contains 8-20 seeds. The seeds are oval, flattened, and have a characteristic black spot, which resembles an eye.
Light Requirements
The plant Dolichos unguiculatus L. requires full sun exposure or partial shade. When grown in full sun, the plant will produce a higher yield. However, it can still grow in partially shaded locations, provided it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 25°C to 30°C. It can survive in temperatures as low as 13°C but growth will be slower. On the other hand, temperatures above 35°C can cause heat stress and a reduction in yield. The plant will not tolerate frost and cannot be grown during the winter in cold regions.
Soil Requirements
Dolichos unguiculatus L. prefers a well-drained and fertile soil with a neutral pH between 6.0 to 7.5. It is important that the soil has good water holding capacity since the plant will require a consistent moisture supply, especially during flowering and fruiting stages. While the plant is not too particular about soil type, it will grow best in loamy soils rich in organic matter.
Cultivation of Dolichos Unguiculatus L.
When cultivating Dolichos unguiculatus L., it is essential to ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The ideal planting seasons are from April to June and July to September in the tropics and subtropics.
The plant requires a warm and humid climate and is best suited to areas with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, with a minimum of 18°C.
Dolichos unguiculatus L. can be propagated through direct seeding or transplanting. Direct seeding is recommended in areas with low humidity, while transplanting is more appropriate in areas with high humidity. Seeds should be planted 3-4 cm deep in the soil with a spacing of 30cm x 15cm.
Watering Needs of Dolichos Unguiculatus L.
The plant requires regular watering to grow. The frequency of watering will vary depending on the soil moisture content, temperature, and rainfall. The plant should be watered once or twice a week during the dry season and once every two weeks during the rainy season.
It is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to diseases such as root rot. The soil should be allowed to dry out before watering again.
Mulching around the base of the plant can also help to conserve soil moisture and reduce the frequency of watering.
Fertilization of Dolichos Unguiculatus L.
Dolichos unguiculatus L. is a legume that can fix its nitrogen from the air. However, it still requires additional nutrients to grow optimally. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer, such as NPK 15-15-15, applied at a rate of 100kg/ha.
The fertilizer should be applied in two splits, with the first application done four weeks after planting and the second application done eight weeks after planting.
Organic manure can also be applied to the soil to improve soil fertility and provide additional nutrients to the plant.
Pruning of Dolichos Unguiculatus L.
Pruning is not necessary for Dolichos unguiculatus L. However, it can be beneficial in promoting growth and increasing yield. Pruning can be done by pinching off the growing tips of the plant when it reaches a height of 40cm. This encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in a bushier plant and more pods.
Pruning should not be done after the plant has started to flower as this can lead to reduced yield.
Removing yellow or diseased leaves can also promote the healthy growth of the plant.
Propagation of Dolichos unguiculatus L.
Dolichos unguiculatus L., also known as yardlong bean or asparagus bean, is a warm-season crop that is commonly grown for its edible seedpods. This plant is propagated using several methods including:
Direct seeding
Direct seeding is the most common method for propagating Dolichos unguiculatus L. seeds. Seeds are sown directly into the soil either in rows or hills. Row planting involves making shallow furrows in the soil and spacing seeds at regular intervals along the furrow. Hill planting involves digging small holes in the soil and placing two to three seeds in each hole. Both methods require firming the soil over the seeds, keeping the soil moist until germination occurs, and thinning the plants to the desired spacing.
Transplanting
Transplanting can be done by starting seeds indoors in a seedling tray or by purchasing transplants from a reputable source. When starting from seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining, sterile seedling mix and keep the soil consistently moist. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden. When transplanting seedlings, take care not to damage the young roots and water plants thoroughly after transplanting to help them acclimate to their new environment.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Dolichos unguiculatus L. plants. Take stem cuttings from healthy, mature plants, making sure each cutting has at least two nodes. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the cuttings in a warm, humid environment until they root and begin to grow.
Conclusion
Dolichos unguiculatus L. can be propagated using direct seeding, transplanting, and cuttings. Choose the propagation method that works best for your needs and growing conditions to ensure a healthy and productive crop.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos unguiculatus L.
Dolichos unguiculatus L., also known as the yardlong bean, is a tropical legume commonly grown for its edible pods. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Proper disease and pest management practices are important to ensure the healthy growth of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Dolichos unguiculatus L. and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight is a common disease that affects Dolichos unguiculatus L. Symptoms include water-soaked spots on the leaves, which later turn into brownish-black lesions. The disease can spread rapidly in moist conditions, causing defoliation and yield loss. To manage bacterial blight, remove and destroy the infected plants, use disease-free seeds, and avoid working in wet fields.
Fungal Diseases: Fungal diseases such as anthracnose, powdery mildew, and rust can also affect Dolichos unguiculatus L. These diseases often manifest as white or black powdery growth on the leaves and pods or rusty spots on the leaves. Proper cultural practices such as crop rotation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing and destroying infected plant debris can help manage fungal diseases. Fungicides can also be used as a preventive measure.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause significant damage to Dolichos unguiculatus L. plants by sucking the sap and transmitting virus diseases. Infested plants may have curled, distorted, or stunted growth with yellowing leaves. Aphids can be controlled using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or by attracting natural predators such as ladybugs.
Bean Beetle: The bean beetle is a common pest of Dolichos unguiculatus L. The adult beetle can chew on the leaves, while the larvae can feed on the roots. The damage can result in reduced growth and yield. Cultural practices such as crop rotation, handpicking, and destroying infested plants or plant parts can help manage bean beetles. Insecticides can also be used as a last resort.
Implementing a integrated pest management strategy that includes preventive cultural practices, regular monitoring, and the use of natural predators and pesticides can help manage both diseases and pests in Dolichos unguiculatus L. plants.
