Overview:
Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet var. rhomboideus (Schinz) Verdc. is a climbing, perennial plant that is native to Africa and is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The plant has various common names, including hyacinth bean, dolichos bean, Egyptian bean, Indian bean, and lablab beans. The plant belongs to the family Fabaceae and is extensively cultivated for food and fodder.General Appearance:
The lablab purpureus plant has a twining, climbing growth habit and can grow up to 6 meters in length. The stem is stout, woody, and covered with dense hairs. The leaves are trifoliate, alternate, and the leaflets are ovate to rhombic, with a silky texture on both sides. The plant produces fragrant, attractive, and colorful flowers with various shades of pink, mauve, purple, and white. The fruit is an elongated pod, usually about 5-15 cm in length, containing large, flat, and kidney-shaped seeds of different colors, including white, green, black, brown, and speckled.Uses:
Lablab beans are highly nutritious and are rich in protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The beans are edible and can be consumed fresh or dried. They are commonly used in various traditional cuisines, such as Indian, African, and Southeast Asian dishes, and are popularly known for their delicious flavor and nutty aroma. The leaves and young shoots are also edible and can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. In addition to its food value, lablab purpureus is widely used for animal feed, soil improvement, and green manure. In traditional medicine, lablab purpureus has been used for the treatment of various ailments, such as coughs, colds, fevers, and digestive disorders. Studies have shown that lablab purpureus contains beneficial compounds that exhibit anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. In landscaping, lablab purpureus is used as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and foliage. The plant is easy to grow, and its dense foliage provides ideal coverage for trellises, fences, and pergolas.Conclusion:
Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet var. rhomboideus (Schinz) Verdc. is a versatile and valuable plant with numerous uses and benefits. Its high nutritional value, pleasant taste, and versatility make it an important crop in many countries. Its ability to improve soil fertility and its medicinal properties make it an attractive plant for sustainable agricultural practices. Its attractive flowers and foliage also make it a popular ornamental plant in landscaping.Light Requirements:
Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet var. rhomboideus (Schinz) Verdc. requires full sun exposure for best growth. The plant should be grown in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown indoors, the plant should be placed near windows that receive adequate sunlight.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant thrives in warm temperatures and requires a minimum temperature of 60°F for proper growth. Optimal temperatures for growth range between 70-85°F. Temperatures above 95°F can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements:
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. A pH range of 6-7.5 is ideal for the plant's growth. Add compost to the soil to improve its fertility and structure. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils.
Cultivation methods
Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet var. rhomboideus (Schinz) Verdc. is a warm-season legume that grows best in tropical climates. It can survive on rainfall, but yields may be higher if irrigation is provided during dry periods. The plant prefers well-drained soils and grows best with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is generally propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs
Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet var. rhomboideus (Schinz) Verdc. requires adequate water during the growth period, especially during flowering and pod formation. The plant is not drought-tolerant and may wither during extended dry periods. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to avoid waterlogging the soil. It is recommended to water the plant deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet var. rhomboideus (Schinz) Verdc. is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it doesn't require much fertilizer. However, fertilization can improve yields, especially if the soil lacks essential nutrients. A balanced fertilizer with a 4-10-10 or 5-10-10 ratio can be applied during planting or early in the growth period. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can reduce flowering and pod production.
Pruning
Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet var. rhomboideus (Schinz) Verdc. is a vining plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall. Pruning can improve plant shape, prevent tangling, and increase yield. The plant should be pruned to remove damaged or diseased branches, as well as any growth that falls outside of the desired shape. Pruning can be done annually to remove older branches and promote new growth.
Propagation of Lablab purpureus Var. Rhomboideus
Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet var. rhomboideus (Schinz) Verdc. is mostly propagated through seeds. However, vegetative propagation can also be employed for the purpose of maintaining specific characteristics and traits.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Lablab purpureus var. rhomboideus should be collected from mature pods when they are completely dried up. The seeds should be air-dried for a few days and then stored in a cool and dry place for sowing in the next season.
The sowing should be done in a well-prepared seedbed that has been properly tilled and weeded. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and 30-45 cm apart from each other. The seedbed should be watered regularly to keep it moist until the seeds germinate.
Vegetative Propagation
Lablab purpureus var. rhomboideus can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants during the early morning hours.
The cuttings should be 15-20 cm long with at least 3-4 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-prepared potting mix, with the bottom node buried 2-3 cm below the soil surface. The potting mix should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight until they develop roots and new leaves. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to the field.
Disease Management
Lablab purpureus var. rhomboideus is prone to different diseases, which can significantly affect the yield and quality of the produce. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. To manage the disease, farmers can practice crop rotation, use disease-free seeds, and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides such as copper-based products can also help to control the disease.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a soilborne disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum that affects the plant's vascular system, leading to wilting and death. To manage the disease, farmers can practice crop rotation, use disease-free seeds, and maintain proper soil drainage. Fungicides are not usually effective against Fusarium wilt.
Pest Management
Lablab purpureus var. rhomboideus is prone to different pests, which can significantly affect the yield and quality of the produce. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Pod Borers
The larvae of different species of moths and beetles can bore into the pods and cause significant damage to the plant. To manage pod borers, farmers can practice manual removal of the larvae, use pheromone traps, and avoid planting fields near infested areas. Insecticides can also be used to control the pests.
Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can deform the plant and spread viruses. To manage aphids, farmers can practice natural control methods such as introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs, and maintaining proper irrigation and fertilization practices. Insecticides can also be used to control the pests.
