Overview
Glycine javanica L. is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae, which is native to Southeast Asia and Australia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several names including Java bean, Glycine, Wild Soybean, Australian Wild Licorice, and Javanese Soya.
Uses
Some indigenous communities use the roots, leaves, and shoots of the plant for medicinal purposes. The extract from the plant has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat skin irritations, burns, and sore throats.
Additionally, Glycine Javanica L. is also cultivated as a forage crop for livestock and as a nitrogen-fixing cover crop that enhances soil fertility and weed suppression. It is also used as a green manure to control soil erosion and improve soil structure.
General Appearance
Glycine javanica L. is an herbaceous, perennial plant that can grow up to 3 meters in length. The plant has a twining stem and trifoliate leaves approximately 7 cm in length. The flowers are pea-like and are purple or white in color and grow in clusters. The plant produces a leguminous pod that contains several small, round seeds.
The plant requires a moist and well-drained soil and thrives under full sunlight or a partial shade. Glycine javanica L. is drought-tolerant and can tolerate acidic soil.
Light Requirements
Glycine javanica L. grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Insufficient light can lead to weakened stems and foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal growing temperature for Glycine javanica L. is between 18°C - 35°C (64°F - 95°F). It thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity, but can also tolerate mild frost and temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
The soil for Glycine javanica L. needs to be well-draining, but it should also hold moisture. It prefers a sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Organic-rich soil is best suited for its growth. It grows well in both dry and wet soils, as long as the soil is not waterlogged.
Cultivation methods
Glycine javanica L. is a low-growing, sprawling shrub that grows best in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained loamy soil. The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or layering. Sow the seeds in the spring, approximately 1cm deep, and keep the soil moist. Transplant the seedlings after six weeks to a well-prepared bed.
Watering needs
Young plants need frequent watering until they become established. After that, the plant can tolerate dry soil but generally needs watering once or twice a week. Watering should be done in the morning or evening, and the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Drought can cause the plant to drop leaves and produce fewer flowers.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and flowering, the plant needs regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid overfertilization, as this can cause the plant to produce fewer flowers and become less vigorous.
Pruning
Glycine javanica L. requires minimal pruning, but it can be pruned to keep it tidy and promote bushy growth. Pruning should be done after flowering or during the dormant season, as the plant produces flowers on old wood. Remove dead or diseased branches, and cut back any overly long shoots or branches. Pinching the tips of young growth can also encourage bushier growth. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce or eliminate flowering.
Propagation Methods of Glycine javanica L.
Glycine javanica L. is commonly known as the wild soybean, Java bean, or Burma bean. It is a woody perennial legume plant that is native to Southeast Asia. The plant is primarily propagated through seeds, cuttings, or grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Glycine javanica L. The seeds should be collected from healthy plants during the flowering season. Before planting, soak the seeds overnight in water and remove the outer seed coat. Sow the seeds directly into the soil, one-fourth of an inch deep. Keep the soil moist and warm until the seeds germinate, which usually takes between one and three weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings involves taking a stem cutting from a healthy plant and planting it in a rooting medium. The stem should be about six inches long and should have a few leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in the rooting medium. Keep the cutting moist and warm until roots develop, usually within four to six weeks. Once roots develop, transplant the cutting to a pot or directly into the soil.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced propagation method and involves combining a scion from a desired cultivar with a rootstock that is hardy and disease-resistant. The scion should be taken from a healthy plant and should have a diameter of about 1/4 inch. The rootstock should be about the same diameter as the scion. Cut both the scion and the rootstock at a 45-degree angle and then join them together. Wrap the grafted area in grafting tape and apply a grafting compound to prevent drying out. Keep the grafted plant in a warm, humid environment until the graft sets, usually within three to six weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Glycine javanica L.
Glycine javanica L. is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases and pests; however, certain environmental conditions and external factors can make it susceptible to some diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
The plant is susceptible to root rot caused by fungi such as Pythium and Rhizoctonia. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting leaves, stunted growth, and a rotting smell from the roots.
To manage root rot, it is essential to maintain well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. Fungicides such as Carbendazim and Thiophanate-methyl can also be used to control the disease.
Another common disease is bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas campestris. It leads to the yellowing and wilting of leaves and the appearance of water-soaked spots on the leaves. The spots can turn brown and crispy as the disease progresses.
Preventive measures such as avoiding overcrowding of plants and maintaining good ventilation can control bacterial blight. Copper-based fungicides such as Bordeaux mixture and copper sulfate can also be used to control symptoms.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests of Glycine javanica L. is the aphid. Aphids feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to wilt and become stunted. They can also spread viruses that lead to the deformation of leaves and stunt growth.
To control aphids, insecticidal soaps or neem oil can be used as a natural alternative. Chemical pesticides such as imidacloprid and acetamiprid can also be used.
The plant can also be attacked by spider mites, which cause the leaves to yellow and become stippled. They can also produce webbing on the leaves.
Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with water to dislodge the mites or by using miticides such as abamectin and bifenthrin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Glycine javanica L. is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases and pests. However, it is essential to maintain proper environmental conditions and manage external factors to prevent the plant from becoming susceptible to diseases and pests. Preventive measures are always better than curative measures, and it is critical to follow good agronomic practices to keep the plant healthy.
