Overview of Glycine bequaertii De Wild.
Glycine bequaertii De Wild., commonly known as African soybean or wild soybean, is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to Africa, particularly in the tropical regions of West, Central, and East Africa. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 2 meters in height and has a sprawling or climbing growth habit. Glycine bequaertii is commonly found in moist and semi-aquatic habitats such as river banks, swamps, and floodplains.
General Appearance
The leaves of Glycine bequaertii are pinnately compound, with 3 to 5 leaflets that are oval-shaped, pointed, and approximately 5 to 10 cm long. The stems are thin and covered with fine hairs. The flowers are yellow and pea-shaped, forming clusters on long stalks that are up to 10 cm long. After flowering, the plant produces an elongated, cylindrical-shaped pod that contains several small, brown seeds, which are similar in appearance to soybean seeds.
Common Names
Glycine bequaertii is also known by several local names, including "Akidi" in Nigeria, "Bangwet" in Cameroon, "Ganiri" in Ghana, and "Yoto" in Togo.
Uses
The seeds of Glycine bequaertii are edible and are commonly used as a food source in some African countries. The young leaves are also consumed as a vegetable. Additionally, the plant has several medicinal uses. In traditional medicine, the roots are used to treat various ailments such as stomach ache, diarrhea, and dysentery. The plant is also used for erosion control as its extensive root system can help stabilize soil. Glycine bequaertii is also being studied as a potential crop for sustainable agriculture due to its ability to improve soil fertility and its tolerance to drought and flooding.
Growth Conditions of Glycine bequaertii De Wild.
Glycine bequaertii De Wild. is a rare and endangered species of the Leguminosae family that is found in the African continent. This plant requires specific growth conditions to flourish and survive.
Light Requirements
Glycine bequaertii De Wild. requires bright sunlight for at least six hours a day. It needs full sun exposure to grow optimally. The plant struggles to grow in environments with low light and may even die if it lacks enough sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm and stable temperatures to thrive. It requires an average temperature of 25–30°C and cannot tolerate frost. The plant may not grow or even survive temperatures below 15°C, so growers should protect it from such environments.
Soil Requirements
Glycine bequaertii De Wild. prefers well-drained, sandy soils with good aeration. It does not grow well in poorly drained or waterlogged soil. Growers should also ensure that the soil has a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5.
It is essential to note that overfertilization may harm the plant, leading to slower growth rates or even plant death. In addition, the plant may not tolerate high saline concentrations in the soil.
In conclusion, providing the right growth conditions is crucial for the successful growth and survival of Glycine bequaertii De Wild. This plant requires bright sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-drained soil with a neutral pH to thrive.
Cultivation Methods
Glycine bequaertii De Wild., also known as the Sierra Leone bean, is a leguminous plant native to West Africa. It can grow in a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. The plant requires full sun exposure to grow and can tolerate temperatures up to 35°C. It is advisable to plant the seeds in the early spring or late summer for optimum growth and yield. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-3 cm and spaced 15-20 cm apart in rows of 50-60 cm.
Watering Needs
Glycine bequaertii De Wild. requires moderate watering during its growth period. Overwatering can lead to root rot and stunted growth, while under-watering can cause wilting and reduced yield. It is essential to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. Once the beans start to form, the plant will require more water to support the growth of the pods.
Fertilization
Glycine bequaertii De Wild. is a leguminous plant that can fix nitrogen from the air into the soil, reducing the need for external fertilizers. However, the plant will benefit from a small amount of fertilizer application before planting. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 or 8:8:8 can be applied to the soil. The fertilizer should be mixed well into the soil before planting. Once the plant starts to flower, a low nitrogen fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 2:10:10 can be applied to boost pod development.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Glycine bequaertii De Wild. However, it is advisable to remove any dead or dry branches to improve airflow and sunlight penetration. This will help reduce the risk of fungal and bacterial infections and improve the yield of the plant. Removal of the terminal bud can also promote branching, resulting in more pods.
Propagation methods of Glycine bequaertii De Wild.
Glycine bequaertii De Wild. is propagated primarily through seeds.
The seeds must be harvested when they are mature and fully dry on the plant. These seeds can be directly sown into well-drained soil or into a container filled with a suitable potting mix.
The soil or potting mix should be moist for optimal germination. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days, but may take longer depending on environmental conditions.
It is important to note that Glycine bequaertii De Wild. seeds have a hard coat, so it may be beneficial to scarify the seeds or soften the seed coat by soaking them in warm water for several hours before planting.
In addition to seed propagation, Glycine bequaertii De Wild. can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken from the parent plant.
To propagate through stem cuttings, select a healthy, young stem from the parent plant and cut it at a length of around 6-8 inches. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-drained soil or potting mix and keep the soil moist. Roots should begin to form within a few weeks.
Disease Management of Glycine bequaertii De Wild.
Glycine bequaertii De Wild. is prone to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can damage the plant and decrease its yield. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and can cause wilting and spotting on leaves, stems, and pods. To manage anthracnose, you can use fungicides and practice good sanitation by removing infected plant debris.
- Soybean Cyst Nematode: This disease is caused by a microscopic roundworm that infects the roots of soybean plants. It can cause stunted growth and decreased yield. To manage soybean cyst nematode, you can rotate crops and plant resistant varieties.
- Soybean Rust: This disease is caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi and can cause yellowing and defoliation of leaves. To manage soybean rust, you can use fungicides and plant resistant varieties.
It is essential to identify the disease correctly before applying any management strategies.
Pest Management of Glycine bequaertii De Wild.
Glycine bequaertii De Wild. is also susceptible to various insect pests, which can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Bean Leaf Beetle: This pest can chew on the foliage and pods of soybean plants, causing defoliation and reduced yield. To manage bean leaf beetle, you can use insecticides and plant early maturing varieties.
- Soybean Aphid: This pest can feed on the sap of soybean plants, causing stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage soybean aphid, you can use insecticides or plant resistant varieties.
- Cutworm: This pest can cut off the stems of soybean plants at ground level, causing wilting and death. To manage cutworm, you can apply insecticides and use crop rotation.
As with diseases, it is crucial to identify the pest correctly before using any management techniques.
