Overview of Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var. macranthum (Brenan) Verdc.
Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var. macranthum (Brenan) Verdc. is a type of legume that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the big-pod jack bean, sick bean, or pigeon pea. This plant is native to Africa, especially in southern and eastern regions, and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas. The plant is primarily used for food, medicine, and as a cover crop in agriculture. It is also important in ecology, as it fixes nitrogen in the soil and improves soil fertility.
Plant Appearance
The big-pod jack bean is a shrub that can grow up to 5 meters tall. It has deep, spreading roots that can reach up to 3 meters deep. The plant has a dense, bushy appearance, with multiple stems and many branches. The leaves are compound and consist of three leaflets that are oval or oblong in shape and up to 10 cm long. The flowers are white, pink, or purple, and are arranged in racemes that grow up to 30 cm long. The fruit of the plant is a large pod, which can grow up to 20 cm long and 4 cm wide. The pod contains seeds that are oval or kidney-shaped and range in color from brown and black to green and white.
Uses of Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var. macranthum (Brenan) Verdc.
The big-pod jack bean has many uses. Its seeds are a valuable source of protein, carbohydrates, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus. The beans can be prepared in a variety of ways, including boiling, roasting, grinding, and fermenting. The leaves and roots of the plant are also used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including fever, dysentery, and respiratory infections. Additionally, the plant is commonly used as a cover crop in agriculture, as it improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen in the soil. The plant is also important in livestock feed, as it serves as a forage crop for animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
Light Requirements
The plant Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var. macranthum (Brenan) Verdc. requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. The plant can tolerate some shade as long as it receives at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a range of temperatures. However, it prefers warm tropical and subtropical climates. The temperature for the plant should not fall below 10°C. The optimum temperature range for the plant is 20°C - 35°C. It cannot survive frost and cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirement for Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var. macranthum (Brenan) Verdc. is a well-drained soil with a neutral pH. The plant can tolerate a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. The plant also prefers a soil with good organic matter and is tolerant of drought conditions. It can grow in various soil types like sandy soil, loamy soil, or clay soil. However, it prefers a sandy loam soil with good drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var. macranthum (Brenan) Verdc. is a tropical and subtropical plant that can be grown in both dry and humid climates. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. The ideal temperature for growth is between 20°C to 30°C. It can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, especially during the germination period. Adequate moisture should be provided to the seedlings until they establish roots. After that, the plant can tolerate dry conditions and can survive on rainfall.
Fertilization
Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var. macranthum (Brenan) Verdc. is responsive to fertilization and requires regular feeding for optimal growth and yield. Nitrogen and phosphorus-based fertilizers should be applied during the early growth stage and periodically throughout the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep the plant healthy and productive. It involves removing dead and damaged branches and stimulating the growth of new shoots. Pruning can be performed during the dormant season or after the harvest. This process also helps to maintain a desirable shape and size and improves the quality of the crop.
Propagation of Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var. macranthum (Brenan) Verdc.
Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var. macranthum (Brenan) Verdc., commonly known as 'Guyma', is a perennial legume plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to West Africa and is widely cultivated in many parts of the world for its highly nutritious seed.
Propagation Methods
The propagation of Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var. macranthum (Brenan) Verdc. can be done through various methods which are:
1. Seed propagation:
The most common method of propagating Guyma is through seed propagation. The seeds can be collected from mature pods and should be planted in well-drained soil with adequate moisture. The seedlings will emerge within a few weeks, and mature plants will produce seed pods after 3-4 months, which can be used for the next round of seed propagation.
2. Vegetative propagation:
Guyma can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from healthy plants can be planted in a rooting medium and kept in a humid environment until rooted. The rooted cuttings can then be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
3. Division:
Propagation through division can also be done by separating the suckers or offset shoots from the base of mature plants. The separated suckers can be replanted in well-prepared soil, and with adequate moisture and care, they will grow into mature plants.
Regardless of the propagation method used, the plants should be protected from pests and diseases and given adequate water and nutrients to ensure healthy growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Macrotyloma axillare var. macranthum
Macrotyloma axillare var. macranthum is a leguminous plant that is typically grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It is known to be relatively tolerant to pests and diseases, but there are still some issues that can arise and impact plant growth and yield. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that may affect this plant:
Diseases
Fungal diseases: One of the most common fungal diseases that can affect Macrotyloma axillare var. macranthum is anthracnose. This disease is characterized by dark, sunken lesions on the leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing infected plant material and avoiding unnecessary overhead watering. Copper-based fungicides may also be used.
Bacterial diseases: Another common disease that can impact this plant is bacterial wilt. This disease can cause sudden wilting and yellowing of leaves, and can eventually kill the entire plant. Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments for bacterial wilt once a plant is infected. The best course of action is prevention through the use of disease-resistant varieties and good cultural practices such as crop rotation and avoiding overly wet soil conditions.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are a common pest that may infest Macrotyloma axillare var. macranthum. These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause stunted growth and deformation of leaves. Aphids can be managed with insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils, or through the use of natural predators such as ladybugs.
Bean beetles: The bean beetle is another potential pest that can damage this plant. These shiny, oval-shaped beetles feed on the leaves and pods of the plant, causing extensive damage. Bean beetles can be managed through the use of insecticidal sprays or dusts, or through handpicking and destroying the beetles.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests in Macrotyloma axillare var. macranthum is prevention through the use of good cultural practices and disease-resistant varieties. It is also important to monitor plants regularly for signs of infestation or disease, so that appropriate treatments can be applied in a timely manner.
