Overview of Macrotyloma bieense (Torre) Verdc.
Macrotyloma bieense (Torre) Verdc., also known as the Bie's bean, is a legume plant native to West Africa. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is widely cultivated for its edible seeds, which are an important source of protein and nutrients in many African countries. The plant is also valued for its traditional medicinal uses and as a forage crop for livestock.
Appearance of Macrotyloma bieense (Torre) Verdc.
Macrotyloma bieense is a short-lived annual plant that grows up to 60 cm tall. It has a single, upright stem with alternate leaves that are trifoliate, meaning they consist of three leaflets. The leaflets are ovate and range in color from green to grayish-green. The plant produces small, white or pinkish flowers that are clustered in groups of two to four on short stalks. The flowers are followed by elongated, straight or slightly curved pods that are 5-15 cm long and contain 4-10 seeds.
Common Names of Macrotyloma bieense (Torre) Verdc.
Macrotyloma bieense goes by a variety of common names depending on the country and region. In English, it is referred to as Bie's bean or horsegram. In other languages, the plant is known as Nyimo in Zimbabwe, Kollu in India, and Agbado in Nigeria.
Uses of Macrotyloma bieense (Torre) Verdc.
The seeds of Macrotyloma bieense are a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals such as iron and calcium. In many African countries, the seeds are cooked and consumed as a nutritious food crop. They are often made into soups, stews, or porridges and are also used to make a popular snack called roasted horsegram. In addition to its dietary uses, the plant has been traditionally used in African traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, fever, and diarrhea. The plant's foliage and seeds are also used as a forage crop for livestock and as green manure to improve soil fertility.
Growth Conditions for Macrotyloma bieense (Torre) Verdc.
Light: Macrotyloma bieense requires full sunlight to grow. It is a heat-loving plant and cannot tolerate frost or cool temperatures. Therefore, it is best to grow it in warm regions where the temperature doesn't drop below 15°C during winter. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
Temperature: This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. At lower temperatures, the growth rate slows down, and the plant's leaves start to turn yellow. Likewise, hotter temperatures may result in leaf-scorching and stunted growth. In winter, it is advisable to move the plant indoors where the temperature is relatively stable.
Soil: Macrotyloma bieense prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, so ensure there is proper drainage. Before planting, incorporate compost or aged manure into the soil to improve fertility. Adding mulch to the soil helps with moisture retention and prevents the growth of weeds around the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Macrotyloma bieense is an annual plant that grows best in hot and tropical climates, and it can thrive in a range of soil types. However, it performs well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
The planting season for Macrotyloma bieense seeds is usually from March to April. Sow the seeds in rows of one meter apart and space the individual seeds about 10-15 cm apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them regularly.
The plant requires full sun exposure and needs at least six hours of sunlight per day to grow healthily.
Watering Needs
Macrotyloma bieense requires regular watering to thrive. Water the plants at least twice a week during the growing season and reduce the frequency during the dry season. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged as overly wet soil can cause the roots to rot.
It is advisable to water Macrotyloma bieense early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize water loss due to evaporation. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses can help deliver water directly to the root system, reducing water waste and promoting healthier plants.
Fertilization
Macrotyloma bieense benefits from regular fertilization to keep it healthy and promote optimal growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 NPK) a month after planting, and then repeat the fertilizer application once every six weeks.
Organic compost or manure can also provide the necessary nutrients to the plant without causing chemical interference that can result from synthetic fertilizers.
Pruning
Macrotyloma bieense does not require pruning, except for the removal of dead or diseased plants. The plant branches freely, forming a bushy habit, which helps to shade the soil and maintains moisture in the root system. However, if desired, pruning can be carried out to control the size of the plant.
When pruning, use clean and sterilized gardening tools to avoid spreading diseases from one plant to another. Also, avoid over-pruning as this can damage the plant, reduce its vigor, and cause a decline in yield.
Propagation Methods for Macrotyloma bieense (Torre) Verdc.
Macrotyloma bieense (Torre) Verdc. is commonly known as horse gram and is a legume plant species. The plant is a great source of nutrition and is used both as food and as medicine. The propagation of the plant is essential to increase its population and availability. There are different methods of propagation of Macrotyloma bieense, and some of them include:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Macrotyloma bieense is through seeds. The plant produces pods, which contain seeds. The pods ripen and dry out, which indicates that the seeds are ripe and ready for collection. Collect the pods and remove the seeds from them.
The next step is to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to improve their chances of germination. Sow the seeds directly in the soil or in seedling trays. However, seeds sown directly in the soil are more successful than those in trays. The seeds will germinate and emerge within a week, and the plant will start growing from there.
Cutting Propagation
Another method of propagating Macrotyloma bieense is through cuttings. Take cuttings of about 15 cm long from a mature plant. Ensure that the cutting has at least 3-4 leaves on it.
Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and plant it in the soil. Make sure to provide enough water and light to the cutting. The cutting will start rooting within 2-3 weeks and will start growing from there.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method of propagating Macrotyloma bieense. In this method, the plant is divided into smaller portions, which are then planted separately to grow into new plants. This method is typically used for mature plants that have grown into clumps.
To perform division propagation, carefully remove the clump of the plant and divide it into smaller portions. Each portion must have enough roots to survive. Transplant the smaller portions into separate containers or directly in the soil. Ensure that the newly planted portions receive enough water and light to grow.
In conclusion, there are several methods of propagating Macrotyloma bieense, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and division propagation. Each method is effective, and success depends on the skills and techniques employed.
Macrotyloma bieense (Torre) Verdc. disease management
Macrotyloma bieense (Torre) Verdc. is susceptible to various diseases that can significantly reduce the yield and quality of the crop. Below are some common diseases that might affect the plant and suggested ways to manage them:
Ascochyta blight
Ascochyta blight is a fungal disease that often causes wilting and death of leaves, flowers, and pods. The disease can survive in the soil and infect the plant during the growing season. To manage this disease, crop rotation with non-host plants is recommended. Additionally, the use of fungicides such as azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin can help control the disease.
Root rot
Root rot is a soil-borne disease caused by fungi that can attack the roots of Macrotyloma bieense, leading to stunted growth and death. To prevent this disease, it is important to plant in well-drained soil and avoid over-watering the plant. In case the disease is detected, affected plants should be removed and destroyed. Additionally, the use of fungicides such as thiophanate-methyl can help control the disease.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that often appears as a white or gray powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. The disease can cause reduced plant growth and yield loss. To manage this disease, regular inspection of the crop is important to detect early signs of the disease. The use of fungicides such as sulfur and myclobutanil can help control the disease.
Macrotyloma bieense (Torre) Verdc. pest management
Macrotyloma bieense (Torre) Verdc. is also prone to various pests that can cause damage to the plant. Below are some common pests that might affect the plant and suggested ways to manage them:
Pod borer
Pod borer is a serious pest that can cause significant yield loss. The pest often bores into pods, leading to damage to the seeds. To manage this pest, the use of natural enemies such as Trichogramma chilonis, Bacillus thuringiensis, and neem-based insecticides is recommended. Additionally, regular removal of infected pods and crop rotation can also help manage the pest.
Leaf miner
Leaf miner is a pest whose larvae feeds on the leaves of the plant, resulting in reduced plant growth and yield loss. The use of natural enemies such as parasitoids and predators is recommended to control this pest. Additionally, the use of neem-based insecticides can also help control the pest.
Mites
Mites are pests that can cause discoloration and distortion of leaves, leading to reduced plant growth and yield loss. The use of natural enemies such as predatory mites and neem-based insecticides is recommended to manage mites. Additionally, regular monitoring and inspection of the crop can help detect the pest early.
