Overview:
Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich. is a plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family, commonly known as the African soybean. It is an important food and cash crop in Africa, particularly used for its high protein content.
Origin and Distribution:
Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich. originates from sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Ethiopia and Nigeria. It is widely distributed throughout Africa and also found in other countries such as Yemen, Oman, and Pakistan. It grows in a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and woodlands.
Common Names:
Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich. is commonly known as the African soybean, Ethiopian wild soybean, or Abyssinian wild bean. In different regions, it is known by other names like Kitawali in Tanzania, Samakoa in Madagascar, and Badawya or Zufura in Sudan.
Uses:
The African soybean has several uses, both for food and non-food purposes. In Africa, the seeds are consumed as a protein-rich food either in its whole form or ground into flour. The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, inflammation, and digestive issues. The proteins extracted from the seeds have potential use in the development of new drugs for diabetes, cancer, and other diseases. The plant is also used for soil improvement and as a cover crop to prevent erosion.
General Appearance:
Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich. is an erect, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has compound leaves with three leaflets, similar in appearance to soybean leaves. The flowers are small, whitish, and borne in axillary clusters. The fruits are long and narrow pods, up to 10 cm long, containing 2-4 seeds per pod. The seeds are small, round, and range in color from black to brown, beige, or yellow. The plant has a short life cycle, growing from seed to maturity in 60-90 days.
Light Requirements
Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich. requires full sun to grow optimally and produce a good yield. In areas with hot and dry climates, partial shade may be necessary to prevent heat stress and excessive leaf loss. The plant needs about 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, but more is always better. Without enough light, Glycine abyssinica may become leggy, weak, and prone to diseases.
Temperature Requirements
Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich. is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 12°C or above 40°C can be fatal to the plant. In areas with cold winters, Glycine abyssinica should be grown indoors or in a greenhouse to protect it from frost and freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich. grows best in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients to support the growth and development of the plant. Clay soils should be avoided as they can cause poor drainage and root rot. Sandy soils can also be problematic as they tend to drain too quickly and may not retain enough moisture for the plant's needs. Before planting, it is recommended to amend the soil with compost, aged manure, or other organic materials to improve its structure and fertility.
Cultivation methods
Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich., commonly known as Abyssinian soybean, is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of soil types. It prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The plant is best cultivated in warm or tropical regions and grows well under full sun exposure.
Propagation of Glycine abyssinica can be done through seeds or cuttings. If cultivating through seeds, they should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm, and germination can be expected within 7-14 days. Cuttings should be planted in pots and kept well-watered until roots have formed, then transplanted to the field.
Watering needs
Abyssinian soybean requires regular watering, but its watering needs vary depending on the environmental conditions. In general, the plant prefers moist soil and requires watering once or twice a week, depending on the dryness of the soil. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is necessary for the healthy growth of Glycine abyssinica. The plant responds well to nitrogen-rich fertilizers, especially during the vegetative stage. Phosphorus and potassium are also essential for plant growth, development, and fruiting. Fertilizers should be applied in stages, with the first application after seedling emergence and subsequent applications at stages of active growth.
Pruning
Pruning can help promote the growth and yield of Abyssinian soybean, but it should be done with care to avoid damaging the plant. Pruning is best done during the early stages of plant growth when the plant is still developing. Some of the stems can be trimmed back to encourage bushiness and branching, which can lead to increased yields. Dead or damaged branches should also be removed to improve the plant's health.
Propagation of Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich. can be propagated both by seeds and vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich. can be directly sown into the soil or started indoors. The seeds should be soaked in water overnight before planting to help soften the coat and improve germination. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes place within 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, they can be transplanted outdoors into the desired location.
Vegetative Propagation
Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich. can also be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer from the current year's growth. The cuttings should be approximately 3-4 inches in length and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The cuttings can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then planted in a well-draining soil, indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather conditions. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be kept in a shaded area until roots have formed. Once the roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into the desired location.
Disease and Pest Management for Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Glycine abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich. is a plant susceptible to pests and diseases that can reduce its productivity. Thus, proper management is necessary to keep the diseases and pests under control. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases:
1. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. The symptoms include yellowing, wilting, and eventually drying of the leaves. To manage anthracnose, ensure proper field hygiene, remove and destroy infected plant parts, use disease-resistant varieties, and apply fungicides regularly.
2. Root rot: Root rot is a disease caused by fungi that attacks the plant's roots, causing them to rot. The symptoms include wilting, stunting, and yellowing of the leaves. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering, use disease-resistant varieties and apply fungicides regularly.
Pests:
1. Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and wilt. They also transmit plant viruses. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps or oils, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and practice crop rotation.
2. Thrips: Thrips are small insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing discoloration and deformation. They also transmit plant viruses. To manage thrips, use insecticidal soaps or oils, introduce natural predators like minute pirate bugs and predatory mites, and practice crop rotation.
3. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant, causing it to wither and dry up. The symptoms include tiny holes on the leaves and webs on the undersides of the leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soaps or oils, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and predatory mites, and practice crop rotation.
Implementing good farming practices, such as crop rotation, field hygiene and using disease-resistant varieties, can help stop the spread of diseases and pests. Early detection of the diseases and pests is critical before they cause significant damage, which can make control complicated. Engaging agricultural experts and crop consultants can help identify and develop a customized management plan for the crop.
