Description of Glycine borianii (Schweinf.) Baker
Glycine borianii (Schweinf.) Baker, commonly known as Boria's wild soybean, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, with a natural distribution range in South America, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The plant can thrive in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, and is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen via symbiosis with bacteria.
General Appearance
Glycine borianii is a perennial legume herb that usually grows up to 1 meter in height, with an erect or decumbent stem and hairy branches. The leaves are trifoliate and ovate, with a length of 4-6 cm and a width of 2-4 cm. The inflorescence consists of racemes of 2-8 flowers, usually purple or pink in color and with a length of 10-15 mm. The fruit is a linear pod, brown or black when mature, containing 2-5 seeds.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Boria's wild soybean, in honor of the botanist José Boria (1869-1934) who collected the type specimen. It is also called "amendoim-bravo" or "feijão-macuco" in Brazil, and "amaní de campos" or "poroto de campo" in Argentina.
Uses
Glycine borianii has several potential uses, particularly in agroforestry systems and conservation programs. The plant is a valuable source of forage, wood, and non-timber forest products, such as tannins and dyes. Its seeds are edible, and some local communities in Brazil and Argentina use them for food and medicinal purposes. In addition, Glycine borianii has been studied for its potential as a genetic resource for breeding programs, as it exhibits resistance to pests and diseases and tolerance to drought and low fertility soils.
Light Requirements
Glycine borianii (Schweinf.) Baker thrives in full sun or partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to grow well. Lack of proper lighting can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Glycine borianii (Schweinf.) Baker is between 18°C and 27°C. The plant can tolerate cold temperatures down to 5°C but cannot survive frost. If grown in regions with harsh winters, it should be protected from frost by covering the plant with frost blankets or other protective materials.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Glycine borianii (Schweinf.) Baker should be well-draining, loamy, and slightly acidic to neutral. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.2 is optimal for this plant. It can grow in a range of soil textures, from sandy to clayey soil, but prefers a soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils and heavy clay soils that retain moisture.
Fertilization
Glycine borianii (Schweinf.) Baker requires soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil should be enriched with organic matter before planting. Fertilizers should be applied sparingly, and not more than once a month, as too much fertilizer can harm the plant. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential nutrients that Glycine borianii (Schweinf.) Baker needs to grow well. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal for this plant.
Cultivation of Glycine borianii
Glycine borianii (Schweinf.) Baker is an herbaceous plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant requires a sunny environment and grows best in well-drained soil. To cultivate the plant, start by preparing the soil to a depth of 30cm. Incorporate organic matter to help improve the soil's fertility and drainage.
Watering needs
Glycine borianii requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The plant needs about 1 inch of water per week, and this should come from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and flowering, Glycine borianii requires regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season, starting from spring. However, be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause excessive vegetative growth and reduce flowering.
Pruning
Pruning Glycine borianii is essential to keep the plant healthy and promote flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back any dead, damaged, or diseased stems to promote new growth. Additionally, remove any overcrowded or crossing stems to improve air circulation and light penetration.
Glycine borianii (Schweinf.) Baker Propagation
Glycine borianii (Schweinf.) Baker, commonly known as Boria's Wild Soybean, is a legume plant that is native to Peru. Propagation of this plant is possible through various methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Glycine borianii is through seed propagation. The plant produces seeds in pods that mature during August to September. The pods can be gathered and dried before breaking them open to obtain the seeds.
Before planting the seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours to enhance germination. After that, plant the seeds in well-draining soil, about 1-2 cm deep, and keep them moist. The seeds will germinate within 4-7 days if kept in a warm and moist environment.
Cuttings Propagation
An alternative propagation method for Glycine borianii is through cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from new growth stems and planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings must be kept moist until roots develop. It's recommended to dip the cuttings in rooting hormone before planting to encourage root formation.
Division Propagation
Glycine borianii can be propagated through division in early spring before the new growth emerges. To divide the plant, dig it up and separate the root ball into several sections. Plant the sections in containers or directly in the ground, keep them moist, and avoid direct sunlight until the roots establish.
Overall, Glycine borianii can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and division propagation. All methods require a moist and warm environment for best results.
Disease and Pest Management for Glycine borianii (Schweinf.) Baker
Glycine borianii (Schweinf.) Baker, also known as the Boriana bean, is a legume species with several health benefits and has a high protein content. However, like any other plant species, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage.
Common Diseases
Glycine borianii is prone to several diseases, the most common ones being:
- Fungal diseases: These include anthracnose, rust, and powdery mildew. Fungal diseases can be prevented by planting resistant varieties, spacing the plants appropriately, and avoiding overhead watering.
- Bacterial diseases: Bacterial blight is a significant disease that can cause the plant to wilt and die. Adequate spacing, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected plants can help prevent bacterial diseases.
Common Pests
Several pests can cause severe damage to Glycine borianii, some of the most common pests are:
- Cutworms: These pests eat the stems of young plants, and they can be controlled by handpicking or using biological control agents like Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Aphids: These pests suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soaps and neem oil.
- Spider mites: These pests feed on the underside of leaves causing yellowing, and they can be controlled by applying insecticidal soap.
Pest and Disease Management
Here are some measures to manage diseases and pests in Glycine borianii:
- Choose disease-resistant varieties of Glycine borianii.
- Space the plants adequately to improve air circulation.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of fungal and bacterial diseases.
- Remove and discard infected plants to avoid the spread of diseases.
- Handpick pests like cutworms and use biological control agents for their management
- Apply insecticidal soaps and neem oil to control aphids and spider mites.
By implementing these disease and pest management practices, one can minimize the damage caused by pests and diseases in their Glycine borianii crop and improve its yield and quality.
