Overview
Macrotyloma axillare (E. Meyer) Verdc. is a leguminous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as the wild cowpea, wild catjang, and wild moong. This plant is often used for food, fodder, and medicinal purposes in various parts of the world. It is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 60 cm in height.
Origin
Macrotyloma axillare is native to Africa but is cultivated in various parts of the world, including Asia, Australia, and the Americas. It is commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions, where it is grown as a drought-tolerant crop.
Appearance
Macrotyloma axillare is an annual herbaceous plant that has a slender, erect stem with a height of up to 60 cm. Its leaves are trifoliate, and the leaflets are obovate and slightly hairy. The flowers are small and white or pale yellow, arranged in clusters. The fruit is a pod that is about 1.5 to 3 cm long and contains three to six seeds. The seeds are round or oval and can be brown, black, or cream in color.
Uses
Macrotyloma axillare has a variety of uses, including:
- Food: The seeds of Macrotyloma axillare are used for food. They are high in protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making them a nutritious food source. In some regions, the young leaves and pods of the plant are also consumed.
- Fodder: Macrotyloma axillare is used as a fodder crop for livestock due to its high nutritional value. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow well in arid and semi-arid regions, making it an ideal crop for such areas.
- Medicinal: The plant has also been used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine. Its seeds are used to treat digestive disorders, while the leaves are used to alleviate pain and swelling. They are also used as a tonic to improve overall health.
Light Requirements:
Macrotyloma axillare requires plenty of sunlight and prefers full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. It can tolerate partial shade but growth will be slower.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant thrives well in warm temperatures ranging from 20-35°C (68-95°F). It cannot tolerate frost or cold temperatures and may die if exposed to them.
Soil Requirements:
Macrotyloma axillare prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The plant can tolerate moderately saline soil but cannot tolerate waterlogged soil.
Water Requirements:
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season. It can tolerate short periods of drought but long periods of dryness may cause leaf drop and stunted growth. Overwatering may cause root rot and the plant may die.
Fertilizer Requirements:
Macrotyloma axillare does not require heavy fertilization. A balanced fertilization routine with emphasis on phosphorus and potassium is ideal for the plant. The addition of organic matter to the soil during planting can improve soil fertility and enhance plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Macrotyloma axillare, commonly known as sickle-pod, is a leguminous plant that thrives in warm tropical regions. It grows well in sandy loam soils with good drainage. It requires a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 for optimum growth. The plant is propagated by seeds, and the best time to sow them is at the beginning of the rainy season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm at a spacing of 30-45 cm between rows.
Watering Needs
Sickle-pod requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, too much water can cause the roots to rot, so it's essential to maintain the right balance. It is advisable to water the plant in the morning or late afternoon to avoid waterlogging, which can damage the roots. The plant requires about 30-40 cm of water per year, and this can be achieved through irrigation during long dry spells.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and productivity. It is recommended to apply nitrogenous fertilizers during planting and subsequently, every six months. Organic manure can also be applied to the soil to improve its fertility. Additionally, foliar fertilization can also be done to supplement the soil nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is an important aspect of sickle-pod cultivation. It is done to remove dead or diseased branches, promote new growth, and maintain the shape of the plant. The best time to prune is at the beginning of the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. It is essential to sterilize the pruning tools before and after use to avoid the spread of diseases. Cutting the plant at a height of 10-15 cm above the ground level encourages regrowth and better yield.
Propagation of Macrotyloma Axillare
Macrotyloma axillare, commonly known as the axil flower, is a legume plant native to Africa and Asia. Propagation of the plant can be done through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method of reproducing Macrotyloma axillare. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors and later transplanted. For best results, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight before planting, or scarification can also be done to improve germination. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination occurs. Germination typically occurs within two to three weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also a viable method of reproducing Macrotyloma axillare. Cuttings should be taken from the plant during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be approximately four to six inches in length and should have a few leaves attached. The cuttings should be placed in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots develop. This method of propagation can be challenging, as the success rate is low.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division involves separating the plant into two or more sections. This method is typically done in the spring when the plant is actively growing. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the roots into sections, making sure each section has adequate roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and keep moist until the plant begins to establish itself.
Disease and Pest Management for Macrotyloma axillare
Macrotyloma axillare (E. Meyer) Verdc. is a plant that is commonly found in tropical regions around the world. Like all plants, Macrotyloma axillare is prone to attack by various pests and diseases. As such, it is important for gardeners and farmers to be aware of the potential issues and how to manage them effectively.
Common Pests
There are several pests that commonly affect Macrotyloma axillare. One such pest is the bean aphid (Aphis fabae). This pest can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced yields. To manage bean aphids, it is necessary to remove and destroy infected plants and to use insecticidal soaps and oils. Crop rotation can also help to reduce the severity of infestations.
Another common pest that can affect Macrotyloma axillare is the stem borer (Maruca vitrata). This pest can cause significant damage to the stems of the plant, leading to reduced yields and even death. To manage stem borers, it is important to remove and destroy infected plants, as well as to use insecticidal sprays and crop rotation.
Common Diseases
There are several diseases that can affect Macrotyloma axillare, including bacterial blight, charcoal rot, and root rot. Bacterial blight is a disease that affects the leaves, causing them to become yellow and wilted. To manage bacterial blight, it is important to remove and destroy infected plants, as well as to use copper-based fungicides.
Charcoal rot is a disease that affects the roots, causing them to become brown and decayed. To manage charcoal rot, it is important to avoid overwatering and to ensure that the soil is well-drained. Fungicides can also be used to control this disease.
Root rot is a disease that affects the roots, causing them to become brown and mushy. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering and to ensure that the soil is well-drained. Fungicides can also be used to control this disease.
Integrated Pest Management
To effectively manage pests and diseases in Macrotyloma axillare, it is important to adopt an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This involves combining various techniques to manage pest and disease problems, including the use of resistant cultivars, crop rotation, sanitation, biological controls, and chemical controls.
It is important to monitor plants regularly for signs of pest and disease problems so that action can be taken to manage the problem before it becomes severe. By adopting an IPM approach, growers can effectively manage pest and disease problems in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
