Overview of Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urban
Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urban, commonly known as Phasey bean or wild bush bean, is a species of legume in the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. This plant is commonly found in fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas, growing in sandy, gravelly, or clay soils.
General Appearance
Macroptilium lathyroides is an annual or short-lived perennial herb that reaches a height of 30-80 cm. It has a slender stem with numerous branches and trifoliolate leaves that are ovate to oblong in shape and measure 4-6 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. The leaves are hairy on both sides, and the leaflets are pointed at the tip. The flowers are borne in axillary clusters of 3-15 and are pink to lavender or purple in color. The fruit is a linear, flattened pod that is 3-5 cm long and contains 4-8 seeds.
Common Names
Macroptilium lathyroides is known by many common names, including Phasey bean, wild bush bean, wild bean, bush bean, lima bean, and feijão-faseiro.
Uses
Macroptilium lathyroides has various uses in traditional medicine, mainly for its diuretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. It is also used to treat coughs, stomach pains, and rheumatism. Additionally, the plant has potential commercial uses as a forage crop and cover crop. The seeds are edible and can be cooked or ground into flour. Moreover, the plant is used to improve soil fertility and as a source of green manure.
Light Requirements
Macroptilium lathyroides plants typically require full sunlight to grow and develop. They can tolerate partial shade, but consistent exposure to sunlight is ideal for healthy growth. Lack of light can result in stunted growth and reduced flower production.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 36 °C to grow in optimum conditions. However, Macroptilium lathyroides plants have been known to survive in temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 40°C. Temperatures below 5°C can lead to frost damage and even plant death.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil should be nutrient-rich, with adequate amounts of organic matter. The plant is drought-tolerant, but grows best under moderate soil moisture conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, therefore, it's important to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urban, commonly known as phasey bean or horse bean, grows best in a warm, humid climate, but can tolerate drought and poor soil. It is a trailing legume that grows low to the ground and prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
It is recommended to start the seeds in a warm, moist environment and transplant them outdoors after the last frost. When planting, ensure that there is adequate space between the seeds, as this plant is known to spread rapidly. To maintain adequate growth, plant in an area with full sun exposure, as shaded areas can stunt growth and cause poor production.
Watering Needs
Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urban requires moderate watering, which means watering once per week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, plants may need additional watering to avoid wilting and drying out.
It is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot, which can be fatal. The soil should be checked before watering to ensure it has dried out enough.
Fertilization
Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urban requires a moderate amount of fertilizer throughout the growing season. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for this plant, so a balanced fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content is recommended. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks to ensure healthy growth and high yields.
It may be helpful to add organic matter to the soil prior to planting, as this will help enrich the soil and provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Pruning
Pruning is generally not necessary for Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urban. However, it is recommended to remove any damaged or diseased leaves to promote healthy growth and prevent the spread of disease. If the plant becomes too dense, selectively remove some of the stems to allow for better air circulation and sunlight penetration.
This plant can quickly become invasive if left unpruned. To prevent spreading, it may be helpful to harvest the pods frequently, as this will limit the number of seeds left to self-sow and start new growth.
Propagation of Macroptilium lathyroides
Macroptilium lathyroides, also known as Phaseolus lathyroides, is a herbaceous legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Americas and can be found in various habitats, including forests, savannas, and disturbed areas. The plant is commonly used as a forage crop and cover crop due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
In order to propagate Macroptilium lathyroides, there are several methods that can be used:
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Macroptilium lathyroides is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature pods and sown directly in the ground or in pots. It is important to scarify the seeds before sowing to help break the hard seed coat and promote germination. The scarification process can be done by manually nicking the seed coat with a knife or using sandpaper to rub the seeds gently. Sowing should be done in spring when the soil temperature is at least 60°F. Seedlings should emerge within 7-21 days, and they can be transplanted to their permanent location when they reach a height of 3-4 inches.
Vegetative Propagation
Macroptilium lathyroides can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be at least 4 inches long with 2-3 sets of leaves. The leaves on the lower part of the stem should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings can be planted in pots filled with a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and humid environment. Roots should start to develop in 2-4 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location after they have established a strong root system.
Division
Division is another way to propagate Macroptilium lathyroides. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. It is best to do this in the spring when the plant is actively growing. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the root ball should be gently separated into smaller sections. Each section should have some roots and shoots. The new plants can be replanted in their permanent location and watered thoroughly.
Disease and Pest Management for Macroptilium Lathyroides (L.) Urban
Macroptilium lathyroides is a legume species that is native to the Americas and widely used as a cover crop. While it is generally a hardy plant, it is still susceptible to various pests and diseases. In this section, we will discuss some common pests and diseases that affect Macroptilium lathyroides, as well as some management strategies to control them.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on sap from the plant. They can cause leaves to yellow and curl, and stunt plant growth. To manage aphids, you can try spraying the plant with water to knock them off, or apply insecticidal soap.
Bean beetles: Bean beetles are small, brown beetles that feed on the plant's leaves and pods. They can quickly defoliate the plant and significantly reduce yield. To control bean beetles, you can try handpicking them or introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged creatures that can damage the plant by sucking out the chlorophyll from the leaves. Infested leaves may appear speckled or yellowed. To manage spider mites, you can try spraying the plant with water or applying a commercial miticide.
Common Diseases
Fusarium wilt: Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes wilting and yellowing of leaves. It can be spread through contaminated soil or plant debris. To manage Fusarium wilt, you can try planting disease-resistant cultivars, practicing crop rotation, and removing infected plants and debris from the garden.
Rhizoctonia root rot: Rhizoctonia root rot is another fungal disease that affects Macroptilium lathyroides. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves and stunted growth. To manage this disease, you can try improving soil drainage, practicing crop rotation, and using fungicide treatments.
Bean common mosaic virus: Bean common mosaic virus is a viral disease that causes mosaic-like patterns on leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields. The virus can be spread through sap, seed, or contaminated tools. To manage this disease, you can try using virus-free seed, practicing good sanitation, and removing infected plants from the garden as soon as possible.
By implementing good management practices, you can help prevent pests and diseases from affecting your Macroptilium lathyroides plants and ensure a healthy harvest.
