Overview
Lupinus termis Forsk. is a plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae and is also known by common names such as "Egyptian lupine," "termis," and "lupin blanc." The plant is an annual herb that is cultivated mainly in Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia for its edible seeds.
Appearance
Lupinus termis Forsk. typically grows up to 50-80 cm tall in the wild, while cultivated plants may reach up to 1.5 meters. The plant has a well-developed taproot and a sturdy, hairy stem that branches towards the top. The leaves are palmately compound, consisting of 5-7 leaflets, with each leaflet measuring 2-5 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. The flowers are arranged in a spire-like inflorescence, with each flower being about 1 cm long and in shades of pink, blue, or purple.
Uses
The seeds of Lupinus termis Forsk. are the main useful part of the plant. These seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus. They are used in traditional dishes in Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The seeds are usually boiled in salted water and eaten as a snack, or added to bread or salad. In addition to its nutritional value, lupin beans have been found to have medicinal properties. They have been traditionally used to treat diabetes and as a diuretic.
The plant is also used as animal fodder and as a green manure crop due to its ability to fix nitrogen into the soil.
In conclusion, Lupinus termis Forsk. is a versatile and important plant in the agricultural and culinary traditions of Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia.Light Requirements
Lupinus termis Forsk. is a plant that requires full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but will not thrive in heavily shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
Lupinus termis Forsk. can grow in a wide range of temperatures but prefers cool to mild temperatures. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. In warmer temperatures, the plant may go dormant.
Soil Requirements
Lupinus termis Forsk. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The optimal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soils but will not grow well in highly alkaline conditions. It is important to avoid poorly drained soils as they can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Lupinus termis Forsk.
Lupinus termis Forsk. is a leguminous plant that is popularly cultivated in the Mediterranean and North Africa. It grows well in sandy or loam soils that are well-drained and slightly alkaline. The plant requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. For successful cultivation, growers should plant the seeds in the fall or early spring, depending on the climatic conditions of the region.
The seeds have a hard coat that makes them resistant to water uptake, and growers should scarify the seeds before planting to enhance water absorption. The plant should be planted at a depth of about 2-3 cm and given enough space to grow since it has a bushy form.
Watering Needs for Lupinus termis Forsk.
Lupinus termis Forsk. requires moderate watering to grow optimally. The plant does well in areas where annual rainfall measures between 250 and 500 mm. Growers should avoid overwatering the plant, as it can result in root rot and other diseases. For best growth, the plant requires supplemental irrigation during dry spells.
The plant is drought-tolerant, making it an ideal crop for areas with water shortages. Growers should avoid watering the plant from above to prevent fungal growth on the leaves and stem.
Fertilization for Lupinus termis Forsk.
In terms of fertilization, Lupinus termis Forsk. benefits from high levels of phosphorus in the soil. Before planting, growers should add phosphoric fertilizers to the soil, as well as other nutrients, such as nitrogen and potassium. The plant requires regular fertilization throughout the growing season to ensure healthy growth and the production of high-quality seeds.
Growers can apply fertilizers using broadcasting, banding, or fertigation methods. The quantity of fertilizer applied depends on soil fertility levels and the nutrient requirements of the plant.
Pruning for Lupinus termis Forsk.
Lupinus termis Forsk. does not require regular pruning like other crops. However, growers can remove any yellowing or diseased leaves and stems to prevent the spread of bacteria and fungal diseases. Pruning can also help regulate plant growth, increase air circulation, and ensure optimal soil utilization by the root system.
Growers should prune the plant after the blooming season, and avoid pruning excessively so as not to damage the plant. Additionally, removing any weeds growing around the plant is crucial, as it will reduce competition for soil nutrients and promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Lupinus termis Forsk.
Lupinus termis Forsk. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. Some common methods of propagation include:
Seed Propagation:
Seeds of Lupinus termis Forsk. can be used to propagate the plant. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground during spring, or they can be started indoors in late winter and then transplanted outside once temperatures warm up. The seeds should be placed 1-2 inches deep in well-drained soil, and kept moist until germination. Germination typically occurs in 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings:
Another asexual method of propagation is through cuttings. However, it is important to note that Lupinus termis Forsk. does not propagate well from stem cuttings. Rather, it is propagated through root or basal cuttings. Cuttings should be taken during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots develop.
Division:
Propagation through division is also possible with Lupinus termis Forsk. The plant should be divided during the late fall or early spring when it is dormant. The roots should be dug up carefully and then divided into smaller sections, each with a shoot and healthy roots. The divided sections can then be planted in well-draining soil and watered regularly.
Disease Management
Lupinus termis Forsk. commonly suffers from fungal and bacterial diseases. The common fungal diseases include fusarium wilt, root rot, and powdery mildew. On the other hand, bacterial diseases include bacterial blight and crown rot.
To manage these diseases, it is wise to practice crop rotation. Avoid planting the same crop in the same area as it promotes the diseases' survival in the soil. Furthermore, remove and destroy the infected plants, avoid overwatering the plants, and ensure proper plant spacing for proper aeration. It is also advisable to use disease-resistant varieties.
Pest Management
Lupinus termis Forsk. is prone to pest infestation. The common pests include aphids, spider mites, cutworms, thrips, and whiteflies. Pests cause severe damage to the plant, leading to stunted growth.
To control pest infestations, introduce predators such as ladybugs and lacewings that feed on the pests. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing the plants as this stimulates the pests breeding. Properly maintain the garden by clearing weeds and checking for any signs of pest infestation regularly. You can also use organic pesticides or insecticidal soaps to control the pests.
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, Lupinus termis Forsk. growers can maintain healthy crops and increase their yields significantly.
