Overview:
Dolichos virosus Roxb. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly found in India and other parts of Southeast Asia. This plant is popular for its various medicinal uses and is also used as a vegetable in some parts of India.
Common Names:
The plant is known by many common names in India including Kuldodi, Gawali, and Bhatara. It is also known as the Indian Bean or Rice Bean in English.
Appearance:
The Dolichos virosus Roxb. plant is a slender, twining herb that grows up to 50-100 cm in height. It has green, trifoliate leaves with oval-shaped leaflets. The flowers are small and white or pale pink in color and are borne in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a long, narrow pod that contains small, kidney-shaped seeds.
Uses:
Dolichos virosus Roxb. plant is widely used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, inflammation, and skin diseases. It is also known to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In India, the young leaves and pods of the plant are consumed as a vegetable. The seeds of the plant are also used to make soups and stews.
Light Requirements
The plant Dolichos virosus Roxb. requires full to partial sunlight for optimal growth. It grows well in bright and sunny locations, but can also tolerate partial shade. Insufficient light may cause the plant to become weak, leggy, and prone to diseases and pests.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Dolichos virosus Roxb. prefers warm and tropical climates. It can tolerate high temperatures ranging from 20 to 35°C (68 to 95°F), but growth is optimal between 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). Cold temperatures can cause damage to the plant and impede growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant Dolichos virosus Roxb. requires well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as they are rich in organic matter and nutrients. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation methods for Dolichos virosus Roxb.
Dolichos virosus Roxb. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It is essential to select a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, which can retain moisture. The best pH range is between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant's seeds, which are large and oval, should be sown at a depth of 2 cm during the rainy season.
Watering needs of Dolichos virosus Roxb.
The plant requires frequent watering, especially during dry periods. To keep the soil moist, it is necessary to water the plant every two to three days. However, over-watering can lead to root rot, so it is best to let the soil dry out slightly between watering sessions. The plant prefers to be watered from below to prevent wetting the leaves and causing disease.
Fertilization of Dolichos virosus Roxb.
Fertilize the plant before planting with well-decomposed organic matter. During the growth period, apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK) every three weeks at a rate of 20g/m 2. Dolichos virosus Roxb. is a leguminous plant that can fix nitrogen from the air, but it still requires additional nitrogen supplement. Nitrogen promotes foliage growth and ensures that the plant matures within the recommended timeline.
Pruning of Dolichos virosus Roxb.
Pruning Dolichos virosus Roxb. is necessary to remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems. It ensures that the plant remains healthy and free of diseases. Regular pruning also promotes proper growth and shape of the plant. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season when necessary, but it is essential to avoid excessive cutting that can weaken the plant.
Propagation of Dolichos virosus Roxb.
Dolichos virosus Roxb. is a perennial vine that is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly propagated through seeds and vegetative means.
Propagation through seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common method. The seeds can be collected from mature pods. It is essential to collect seeds from healthy plants. The seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a dry place until sowing. Pre-sowing treatment like soaking in water for 24 hours enhances seed germination. The seeds are sown in soil or seedling trays, provided with adequate moisture, and cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Germination occurs in about 3-7 days.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is also possible. Softwood cuttings of approximately 15 cm length can be taken during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants. The cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a potting mix of sand and peat in equal ratios. The cuttings require high humidity and moderate light to root. The rooting occurs in about 2-3 weeks, and once well rooted, they may be transplanted to the desired location.
Propagation through layering
Dolichos virosus Roxb. can also be propagated through layering. A stem is bent to the ground and covered with soil, leaving the tip above the soil surface. After a few weeks, shoots will emerge from the covered stem and root themselves in the soil. Once rooted, the new plant can be separated from the parent and transplanted.
Propagation of Dolichos virosus Roxb. is quite simple and can be achieved using seed, cuttings, or layering. By selecting healthy plant material and following the correct propagation methods, you can quickly propagate Dolichos virosus Roxb. for use in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos virosus Roxb.
Dolichos virosus Roxb., commonly known as wild snake bean or devil's horseshoe, is a leguminous plant that is grown for its edible pods and seeds. The plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can affect the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant, causing them to turn brown or black. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and spray the plant with a copper fungicide.
Bacterial wilt: This disease is caused by a bacterium that infects the plant's vascular system, causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage bacterial wilt, use disease-free seeds and plants, rotate crops, and avoid planting in wet conditions.
Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves, as well as stunting and death of the plant. To manage fusarium wilt, remove infected plant parts and spray the plant with a fungicide containing thiophanate-methyl.
Pests
Aphids: These small insects can damage the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and curl. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Cutworms: These caterpillars can cut the stems of the plant at ground level, causing it to die. To manage cutworms, remove weeds and debris from the garden, use collars around the base of the plant, and spray with Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki.
Leafhoppers: These insects can cause yellowing and stunting of the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. To manage leafhoppers, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can help to ensure the health and productivity of your Dolichos virosus Roxb. plants.