Overview
Glycine erecta Thunb. is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is a twining vine that can grow up to 6 meters in length. The plant is native to East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and China.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names, including wild soybean, hikage-mame (in Japan), and kuk-hwang-kong (in Korea).
Appearance
Glycine erecta Thunb. has slender stems with trifoliate leaves that have small stipules at the base. The flowers are small and pea-like, and are usually white or light blue in color. The plant produces small, hairy pods that contain the seeds.
Uses
Glycine erecta Thunb. has various medicinal uses in traditional Asian medicine. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and is used to treat conditions such as fever, cough, and sore throat. The seeds of the plant are also used as a source of food, and can be consumed either raw or cooked.
Growth Conditions for Glycine erecta Thunb.
Glycine erecta Thunb., commonly known as the Japanese soybean, requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Here are some of the crucial elements that affect the plant's growth:
Light
Being a photophilic plant, Glycine erecta Thunb. requires an adequate amount of light for optimal growth. It thrives well in full sunlight, which means it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight. Insufficient light results in reduced photosynthesis and affects the overall growth rate of the plant. However, during the hot summer months, some shade could be provided to prevent leaf scorching or wilting.
Temperature
Glycine erecta Thunb. grows best in moderate temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C. Soybeans are sensitive to frost and cannot sustain temperatures below 0°C. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can cause the plant to suffer from cold stress, leading to stunted growth, leaf curling, and reduced leaf size. On the other hand, high temperatures can cause heat stress and result in leaf drop, reduced pod set, and flower abortion.
Soil Requirements
The Japanese soybean prefers well-drained soils with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Acidic soils below pH 6.0 can cause nutrient deficiencies and affect crop yields. The soil should have adequate moisture levels, but it should not be waterlogged as this can result in root rot and other diseases. Additionally, the soil should be rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for optimal growth and yield.
Cultivation of Glycine erecta Thunb.
Glycine erecta Thunb., commonly known as Japanese glycine, is a perennial plant native to Japan. This plant grows well in subtropical or tropical regions, and it requires full sun exposure to thrive. The soil should be well-drained, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It's best to plant the seedlings in the spring or early summer.
Watering needs
Glycine erecta Thunb. needs moist soil to grow, but it's essential not to overwater the plant. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Make sure the soil doesn't dry out completely between watering sessions. It's best to water the plant early in the morning to allow the soil to absorb the water adequately before the heat of the day.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the plant is crucial for its growth and overall health. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, starting in spring and continuing through fall. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth rather than flower production.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep the plant healthy and maintain its shape. Glycine erecta Thunb. blooms on new wood, so prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. Remove any dead or damaged wood, and cut back the plant's foliage by one-third. This will encourage new growth and help keep the plant's shape under control. During the growing season, you may need to trim back any overly long shoots or remove any spent flowers to encourage new blooms to form.
Propagation of Glycine erecta Thunb.
Glycine erecta Thunb., commonly known as upright glycine or wild soybean, is a leguminous plant native to Australia. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division of root suckers.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Glycine erecta Thunb. is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature, healthy plants. The seeds should be sown directly into the ground or seedling trays filled with fertile soil. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and spaced 5-10 cm apart. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should be provided with adequate light and warmth. The seeds will germinate within 10-14 days.
Propagation through Cuttings
Glycine erecta Thunb. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and include at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and placed in a warm, humid environment. The cuttings should develop roots within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation through Division of Root Suckers
Another way to propagate Glycine erecta Thunb. is through division of root suckers. This method is best done in spring or autumn when the plant is not actively growing. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root suckers should be separated by gently pulling them apart. Each sucker should have its own roots and shoot. The suckers should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Glycine erecta Thunb.
Glycine erecta Thunb., commonly known as wild soybean, is a hardy plant species that is tolerant to certain disease and pest problems. However, it is not immune and can be affected by various pests and diseases at different stages of growth.
Diseases that affect Glycine erecta Thunb.
One of the most common diseases that affect wild soybean is root rot. This disease affects the roots of the plant, which leads to stunted growth and eventually death. The disease is often caused by a fungal infection, and it is common in plants that are grown in poorly drained soils or those that receive excess water. To manage the disease, it is essential to ensure proper drainage of the soil, avoid over-watering the plant, and maintain good hygiene by removing infected plants and soil.
Another disease that affects wild soybean is powdery mildew. It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, and it can cause the leaves to wilt and fall off. The disease is caused by a fungal infection and can be managed by growing resistant varieties of the plant, providing adequate air circulation, and avoiding over-fertilization.
Pests that affect Glycine erecta Thunb.
Aphids are the most common pest that affects wild soybean plants. These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant and cause wilting, yellowing, and curling of the leaves. To manage the pest, it is essential to remove the affected parts of the plant, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, and spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
The soybean cyst nematode is another pest that affects wild soybean plants. This microscopic worm-like pest feeds on the roots of the plant, which leads to stunted growth and wilting. To manage the pest, it is essential to grow resistant varieties of the plant, rotate crops to prevent a buildup of the pest population, and practice proper sanitation measures by removing infected plants and soil.
In conclusion, diseases and pests are a significant challenge for the growth of wild soybean plants. A combination of prevention and management strategies is necessary to ensure healthy plant growth, yield, and quality.
