Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman: An Overview
Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii, also known as the velvet bean, is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to Southeast Asia, including India, the Philippines, and Malaysia. It is also found in Africa, Australia, and the Americas as an introduced species.
Common Names
The plant has several common names based on its distribution and uses. In Africa, it is called the agbala (in Igbo), agyama (in Twi), and kalubukobo (in Zulu). In India, it is known as the khajuri, kakajanga, and kodukkapuli. In Southeast Asia, it is called the kay tiew, bataw, and kacang blau.
Appearance
The velvet bean is a climbing vine that can grow up to 18 meters in length. It has trifoliate leaves and purple flowers that form in clusters. The fruit is a pod that is covered in dense brown or black velvet hair and contains two to four seeds.
Uses
The velvet bean has several medicinal and agricultural uses. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat various ailments such as Parkinson's disease, infertility, and intestinal parasites. The seeds are also used as a natural source of L-dopa, which is a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine that is used to treat Parkinson's disease.
In agriculture, the plant is used as a cover crop to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion. The velvet bean is also used as a forage crop for livestock and as a green manure crop to increase soil organic matter.
The plant is also known for its psychoactive effects due to its high concentrations of L-dopa and serotonin. The seeds have been used as a recreational drug and in religious ceremonies in certain cultures.
Overall, Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii is a useful plant species that has several medicinal and agricultural uses in addition to its psychoactive properties.
Light Requirements
Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman typically thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to perform well.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions and enjoys a warm and humid climate. The ideal temperature range for Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman is between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 30°C). It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and will die if exposed to frost.
Soil Requirements
Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil should be moist but not overly wet, as standing water can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman, also known as Mearns' Glycine, is a trailing, perennial plant native to Africa. It is commonly grown for its ornamental value and as a cover crop. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but it prefers well-drained soil and moderate moisture. The plant grows well in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. It can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
Mearns' Glycine requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but prolonged dry periods can result in leaf yellowing and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure the soil has proper drainage.
Fertilization
To ensure optimal growth and development, Mearns' Glycine requires regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. When using fertilizers, it's important to follow the recommended application rates and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Mearns' Glycine is a trailing plant that can form dense ground covers. Pruning is necessary to keep the plant in check and to promote bushier growth. Prune back the trailing stems to the desired length, leaving about 1-2 buds on each stem. This will encourage new growth, resulting in a fuller plant. Pruning should be done in early spring or late fall, after flowering has occurred. If the plant becomes too dense, it can also be thinned out by removing some of the vines or stems from the base of the plant.
Propagation of Glycine Javanica L. Var. Mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman
Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman is usually propagated through seeds and cuttings. Below are the details of each of these propagation methods.
Propagation by Seeds
This plant can be propagated by seeds. The seeds must be collected at the end of the flowering season and sown within a week of collection. Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman seeds can be sown directly in the soil or in seed trays. The seedlings will emerge within 4-6 weeks of planting. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots when they have reached a height of 5-6 cm.
Propagation by Cuttings
Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman can also be propagated by cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings of length 10-15 cm can be taken from the current season's growth during the months of June-July. The leaves on the lower half should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a potting mix with good drainage. They should be kept in a warm and humid environment until roots have formed.
Once the roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots. These plants require well-drained soil and partial shade in their growth phase. With proper care, these plants can grow into healthy, mature specimens.
Disease and Pest Management for Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman
Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman is a member of the pea family and is commonly grown as a cover crop. While it is a hardy plant, it is still susceptible to diseases and pests that can negatively impact growth and yield.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman is root rot. This is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and eventually die. To manage this disease, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing infected plants from the field and avoiding overwatering. Additionally, planting in well-drained soil and rotating crops can help to prevent the spread of disease.
Another common disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the area around the plant free from debris and to provide adequate air circulation. Additionally, spraying the plant with a fungicide can help to prevent the spread of disease.
Common Pests
One common pest that can affect Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman is the soybean looper. This is a caterpillar that feeds on the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage this pest, it is important to scout the field regularly to identify any potential infestations. Additionally, using natural predators, such as parasitic wasps, can help to control the population of soybean loopers.
Another common pest that can affect this plant is the bean leaf beetle. This is a small beetle that feeds on the leaves of the plant, causing damage to the tissue. To manage this pest, it is important to remove any infected plants from the field and to use insecticides to control the population of beetles. Additionally, planting Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman in fields that are not adjacent to crops that are known to be attractive to bean leaf beetles can help to prevent infestations.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Glycine javanica L. var. mearnsii (De Wild.) Hauman requires a combination of good sanitation practices, effective pest and disease management strategies, and regular scouting of the field to identify issues early on. By taking these steps, it is possible to maintain healthy plants and increase yield.
