Overview of Glycine subterranea L.
Glycine subterranea L., commonly referred to as the Bambara groundnut or simply Bambara nut, is a subsistence crop that belongs to the Fabaceae (legume) family. This plant is cultivated in parts of Africa where it is crucial for smallholder farmers who rely on it as a source of food and income. The plant is primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, although it has also been introduced to other regions around the world.
Appearance of Glycine subterranea L.
The Bambara groundnut is a trailing plant that spreads from its central vine over an area of up to 2 meters. The plant can reach a height of 40-60cm in fertile soils with sufficient moisture. The leaves of this plant are shaped like spearheads and are around 4-10cm long. The plant produces flowers that range in color from white to purple and are around 6-8mm in length, which later form into an oblong pod about 3-4cm long which contains the nuts. The nuts themselves are round or oval and are usually beige or brown in color, and about 1-2cm wide and long.
Uses of Glycine subterranea L.
The Bambara groundnut is a nutritious and versatile crop, used in various ways. It is a staple food in various African countries and is prepared in many ways such as in porridge, roasted, boiled and staple stews. The plant is often marketed as a health food as it contains valuable nutrients like vitamins B and C, minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus, and has a high level of dietary fiber, antioxidants and lower glycemic index than most legumes
In addition to its food uses, the Bambara groundnut's versatility extends to its use as fodder. The plant is also valued for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which increases soil fertility resulting in increased yields of subsequent crops. The Bambara groundnut is also important as a medicinal plant in traditional African medicine usage, such as to manage diabetes and tuberculosis.
Growing Conditions for Glycine subterranea L.
Glycine subterranea L., also known as the African Yam Bean, is a tropical legume crop that is mainly cultivated for its edible beans, which are a rich source of protein. This plant is native to Africa and can also be found in some parts of Asia.
Light Requirements
The African Yam Bean requires full sunlight to grow and develop. This plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight can lead to stunted growth and poor yield.
Temperature Requirements
Glycine subterranea L. grows best in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C can cause damage to the plant, while temperatures above 35°C can lead to reduced yield and plant growth.
Soil Requirements
The African Yam Bean prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. The soil should have a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. This plant is tolerant to acidic and alkaline soils but does not grow well in waterlogged soils. The addition of organic matter to the soil can help improve soil fertility and water retention.
In conclusion, the African Yam Bean requires full sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-drained nutrient-rich soils to grow and develop into a healthy plant with high yield. Understanding and maintaining these growing conditions can help ensure a successful harvest.
Cultivation Methods for Glycine subterranea L.
Glycine subterranea L., also known as the underground bean or groundnut, is a legume that prefers warm, moist climates for optimal growth. It can be cultivated either by direct sowing of seeds or transplanting seedlings.
Seeds should be planted in well-drained soils that have been loosened and enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil pH for Glycine subterranea L. is 5.5-7.0. Plant the seeds at a depth of 2-3 cm, with a spacing of 10-15 cm between plants. Alternatively, seedlings can be transplanted into the soil, ensuring that the roots are not disturbed during the process.
Watering Needs for Glycine subterranea L.
Glycine subterranea L. requires regular watering to ensure healthy growth and development. The plant prefers moist soil, but overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. Watering should be done at least once a week, using a minimum of 2.5 cm of water per application. During periods of dry weather, water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out.
Fertilization for Glycine subterranea L.
Fertilization is essential for the growth and development of Glycine subterranea L. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer should be used during the early stages of growth, followed by a phosphorus-rich fertilizer during flowering and fruiting. Apply fertilizer at least twice during the growing season, following the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency.
Pruning for Glycine subterranea L.
Pruning is not necessary for Glycine subterranea L. as it is a low-growing plant. However, removing dead or diseased plants is recommended to prevent the spread of disease to healthy plants. Additionally, the plant can be trained to grow upright by staking the stems or supporting them with a trellis.
Propagation of Glycine Subterranea L.
Glycine subterranea L. is propagated through the use of seeds or vegetatively through stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most common practice for Glycine subterranea L. Seeds extracted from mature pods are usually sown in nursery beds or in containers. A recommended seed rate is 50 to 60 kg/ha. Seeds should be treated before sowing to avoid fungal diseases. Seeds can be treated with thiram or captan fungicides before sowing. Sowing can be done either manually or mechanically in rows spaced at least 50 cm apart.
Germination of Glycine subterranea L. seeds usually takes between 10 and 14 days. Proper soil moisture and temperature is essential for high germination and seedling establishment. The seedlings should be thinned or transplanted to the field when they are 6 to 8 weeks old and when the rains have started. Seed propagation can achieve high yields of over 2000 kg/ha under optimal conditions.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is mainly used for selected varieties of Glycine subterranea L. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. Cuttings should be taken from mature but not too woody stems, preferably with a diameter of around 1 cm. Cuttings should be 15 to 20 cm long and should have at least two nodes. Cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone to enhance rooting.
The cuttings should be planted vertically in a rooting medium such as sand or a mixture of soil and sand. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept under shade. The cuttings usually start to root after 2 to 3 weeks. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted to the field or transferred to nursery bags after 6 to 8 weeks.
Propagation by stem cuttings can be used for vegetative propagation of Glycine subterranea L. and is important for maintaining and improving certain varieties of the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Glycine subterranea L.
Glycine subterranea L., commonly known as the underground bean, is an important crop in many tropical and sub-tropical regions. As with any crop, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can reduce its yield and quality. Therefore, it is important to implement proper disease and pest management strategies to ensure a healthy and productive crop.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Glycine subterranea L. is fungal leaf spots, which can cause yellow, brown, or black spots on the leaves. The disease can be managed by removing infected plant debris, watering at the base of the plant, and treating the crop with a fungicide. Another common disease is rust, which can cause yellow or orange spots on the leaves. Rust can be managed by removing infected plant debris, avoiding overhead irrigation, and treating with a fungicide.
Other diseases that can affect Glycine subterranea L. include powdery mildew, bacterial blight, and brown stem rot. Powdery mildew causes a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves, while bacterial blight causes wilting, yellowing, and necrosis of the leaves. Brown stem rot, on the other hand, causes reddish-brown discoloration of the stem. These diseases can be managed by following proper cultural practices such as proper watering, removing infected plant debris, and applying fungicides or bactericides.
Common Pests
Glycine subterranea L. can also be affected by various pests including various beetles, caterpillars, aphids, and mites. One of the most common pests is the bean leaf beetle, which can cause defoliation of the plant. The pest can be managed by removing infested plant debris, using insecticides, and planting the crop early to avoid peak beetle activity.
Caterpillars, such as the soybean looper, can also cause defoliation and reduce yield. They can be managed by removing infested plant debris, using insecticides, and deploying natural predators such as parasitic wasps. Aphids and mites can cause yellowing and stunting of the plant, and can be controlled by using insecticides or natural predators such as lady beetles.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management are critical for maintaining a healthy and productive Glycine subterranea L. crop. Proper cultural practices, including the removal of infected plant debris and the use of fungicides and insecticides, can help prevent and control common diseases and pests. Additionally, knowing and monitoring common pests and diseases can help farmers make informed decisions about managing their crop.
