Lablab Niger Medik. Plant Description
Lablab niger Medik. plant is a tropical and subtropical legume species that goes by several common names such as hyacinth bean, Indian bean, dolichos bean, and Bonavist bean. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to Africa, including countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, and Nigeria. The plant also thrives well in other regions, including Asia, South America, and Australia.
Plant Appearance
The Lablab niger plant is a fast-growing, perennial climber that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The plant has a woody stem that twines around the support, forming a dense foliage cover. The leaves are trifoliate, which means they have three lobes, and they emerge in shades of green and purple. The flowers are bright pink or purple, pea-shaped, and grow in groups of four to eight. After blooming, oval-shaped pods develop, which turn pale yellow when mature, and have bright crimson seeds.
Plant Uses
The Lablab niger Medik. plant has a wide range of uses. In some regions, the plant is grown as a food crop, especially the immature seeds, which are used in stews, curries, and soups. The mature seeds, when roasted, are used as a coffee substitute. The plant also has significant potential as a forage crop for livestock, providing high-protein green fodder. Additionally, the seeds and foliage have medicinal properties and are known to be effective in managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and jaundice.
The plant is also a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, thanks to its attractive foliage, brightly colored flowers, and unique seedpods. It is easy to grow, adaptable to different soil types, and can be propagated through cuttings or seeds.
Growth Conditions for Lablab niger Medik.
Light: Lablab niger Medik. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It thrives in areas where there is an abundance of sunlight, receiving up to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature: This plant species prefers warm temperatures, between 18°C to 32°C. It's known to be a drought-resistant plant. It is recommended to avoid low temperatures of less than 15°C during the growing season, which might affect its growth and reduce yield.
Soil: Lablab niger Medik. grows well in well-draining soil with a neutral pH level. It requires nutrient-rich soil to maintain a healthy growth rate. It is suggested that the soil is also composed of organic matter.
Water: This plant can tolerate a wide range of moisture conditions, but it prefers consistent moisture and needs at least 600mm of rainfall per annum. Irrigation should be done during the dry season to ensure sufficient water supply as it is a rain-fed crop. Over-watering should be avoided as it may cause root rot.
Fertilizer: Lablab niger Medik. responds well to the application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers. It can benefit from a well-balanced fertilizer mixture to get all the necessary nutrients required for healthy growth.
Cultivation of Lablab niger Medik.
Before cultivating Lablab niger Medik., it is important to select a suitable location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. The plant requires well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The seed can be sown directly in the soil after the last frost or started indoors four to six weeks before the last frost date. It is recommended to plant the seed 1-2 inches deep.
Watering needs for Lablab niger Medik.
Lablab niger Medik. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. The plant should be watered weekly, or more frequently if the weather is hot and dry. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Additionally, watering should be done at the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage to reduce the risk of diseases such as powdery mildew.
Fertilization of Lablab niger Medik.
Lablab niger Medik. benefits from regular fertilization. Fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium are recommended to promote flowering and fruiting. Compost, aged manure or a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer can be applied lightly every four to six weeks during the growing season. However, avoid applying fertilizer during the flowering period as it can affect the yield negatively.
Pruning of Lablab niger Medik.
Pruning is not a necessary practice for Lablab niger Medik. However, it can be done to control the spread of the plant and enhance its appearance. Pruning should be done when the plant is dormant or during the early growth stages. It is recommended to remove old and damaged stems and leaves as well as to pinch the growing tips to promote branching. Additionally, regular deadheading of the faded flowers can extend the blooming period.
Propagation of Lablab niger Medik.
Lablab niger Medik. can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and division of rhizomes. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the success of propagation depends on various factors that need to be considered.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Lablab niger Medik. It is a simple and reliable method that can produce a large number of plants. Seeds can be sown directly in the soil or started indoors in pots or flats. The best time to sow seeds is in the spring after the last frost date. The seeds should be soaked for 24 hours before sowing to enhance germination. The germination rate of the seeds is around 90%, and the plants will start flowering in about 60 days.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Propagation through stem cuttings is a relatively easy method used to propagate Lablab niger Medik. The stem cuttings should be taken from the mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 4-6 inches long and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist, and the rooting process takes around 3-4 weeks. However, this method has a lower success rate compared to seed propagation.
Division of Rhizomes
Division of rhizomes is another method used to propagate Lablab niger Medik. Rhizomes are underground stems that grow horizontally and produce roots and shoots. Rhizomes can be divided during the dormant season, and each division should have at least one bud. The divided rhizomes should be planted in well-draining soil mixture and kept moist. The advantage of this method is that the resulting plants are genetically identical to the parent plant, and the plants will start flowering in about 60 days. However, this method is time-consuming and requires experience.
Disease Management
Plant diseases can severely affect the growth and yield of Lablab niger Medik. plants. Here are some common diseases to look out for and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark sunken lesions on the pods and stems of the plant, leading to premature leaf drop, defoliation, and cankers. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts, practicing crop rotation, and using fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular, brown, or black lesions on the leaves and pods of the plant. It can cause severe defoliation and stunted plant growth. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts, practicing crop rotation, and using fungicides.
Mosaic Virus
Mosaic virus is a viral disease that causes mottling on the leaves and stunted growth. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pest Management
Pests can also cause significant damage to Lablab niger Medik. plants; here are some common pests to look out for and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap out of the plant causing wilting and growth retardation. They can be managed by spraying insecticides or using other organic methods.
Bean beetles
Bean beetles are common pests of legumes. They chew on the leaves and pods of the plant, causing significant damage. They can be managed by removing infected parts, practicing crop rotation, and using insecticides.
Pod borers
Pod borers are moths whose larvae bore into the pods of the plants, resulting in significant yield loss. They can be managed by removing infested pods, practicing crop rotation, and using insecticides.
Overall, it's essential to monitor the plants regularly for signs of disease or pests and take necessary actions to manage them.