Overview:
Macrotyloma biflorum (Schumach. & Thonn.) Hepper var. appresse-puberulum Verdc. is a leguminous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as horse gram, which is a peculiar name derived from the fact that it is usually fed to horses. The plant is native to Africa and Asia and has been naturalized to some extent in the United States.
General Appearance:
Macrotyloma biflorum var. appresse-puberulum is a small shrub that grows up to 60 cm in height. It has a deep taproot and a well-branched stem. The leaves are trifoliate, consisting of three elliptic or ovate leaflets that are hairy and slightly serrated at the margins. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and are borne in pairs at the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a short pod that contains one or two seeds that are rounded and black.
Uses:
Macrotyloma biflorum var. appresse-puberulum has been used in traditional medicine for its health benefits. The plant is consumed as a food and medicine in some parts of the world. It is rich in protein, fiber, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus. Horse gram is believed to be beneficial for weight loss, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Apart from its health benefits, horse gram is also used as a forage crop, fodder, and green manure.
In conclusion, Macrotyloma biflorum (Schumach. & Thonn.) Hepper var. appresse-puberulum Verdc. is an important leguminous plant that has many benefits. It is a valuable source of nutrients, and it is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Moreover, its use as a forage crop, fodder, and green manure makes it an important crop for livestock and soil conservation.
Light Requirements
Macrotyloma biflorum (Schumach. & Thonn.) Hepper var. appresse-puberulum Verdc. requires ample sunlight to grow optimally. The plant is best suited to grow under full sunlight or partial shade which allows sunlight to reach the canopy.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. It can also grow in acidic soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter to enhance plant growth.
Water Requirements
The plant requires moderate watering. Overwatering can be detrimental to growth as it may cause waterlogging and root rot. It is essential to water the plant during the dry season, but it should be done only when the soil is dry to touch.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in a warm and humid environment with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. It can tolerate high temperatures but cannot withstand frost. The plant can grow in regions that experience a consistent diurnal temperature range.
Cultivation Methods
Macrotyloma biflorum (Schumach. & Thonn.) Hepper var. appresse-puberulum Verdc. is a drought-resistant, warm-season legume crop that can be grown in arid and semi-arid regions. It is commonly cultivated in India, particularly during the rainy season. The crop is best grown in well-drained, sandy loam, and clay loam soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It requires full sunlight for at least 8 to 10 hours a day and moderate temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.
Watering Needs
Macrotyloma biflorum (Schumach. & Thonn.) Hepper var. appresse-puberulum Verdc. requires moderate watering during the growing season. It should be watered immediately after sowing, and the soil must be kept moist until the seeds germinate. After germination, watering should be reduced, and the soil should be allowed to dry partially before watering again. Overwatering may cause fungal diseases, and under watering may lead to stunted growth and reduced yield.
Fertilization
Macrotyloma biflorum (Schumach. & Thonn.) Hepper var. appresse-puberulum Verdc. requires adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth and yield. The crop can be fertilized using urea, superphosphate, and muriate of potash. However, it is recommended to use organic fertilizers such as compost, well-rotted manure, or vermicompost to improve soil fertility and provide micronutrients. The fertilizer should be applied during the sowing time and at regular intervals throughout the growing season.
Pruning
Macrotyloma biflorum (Schumach. & Thonn.) Hepper var. appresse-puberulum Verdc. does not require pruning. However, to maintain plant shape and promote branching, the top 2 to 3 nodes of the plant can be pruned after the first harvest. This will encourage more lateral growth and increase the number of pods per plant. It is recommended to use sterilized pruning tools to avoid damage and disease spread among plants.
Propagation Methods for Macrotyloma biflorum var. appresse-puberulum
Macrotyloma biflorum var. appresse-puberulum can be propagated by a number of methods, including:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Macrotyloma biflorum var. appresse-puberulum is through seed. Seeds can be harvested from mature pods that have turned brown and dried on the plant. The pods can be harvested and allowed to dry further, after which the seeds can be removed and stored in a dry, cool place until planting.
Cuttings propagation
Another way to propagate the plant is through cuttings. This method is less commonly used but can be successful with the proper care. Cuttings should be taken from young plants and should be around 5-10 cm in length. The cuttings can be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The plant should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until roots have formed.
Division propagation
Macrotyloma biflorum var. appresse-puberulum can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing an established plant into smaller sections and planting them separately. To do this, the plant should be carefully dug up and the roots gently separated. The resulting sections can then be planted in a suitable location and cared for as normal.
Air layering propagation
Finally, the plant can also be propagated through a technique known as air layering. This involves wounding a section of the stem and wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss. The covered section should then be secured with plastic wrap and kept moist until roots have formed. Once roots have developed, the section can be cut off from the parent plant and planted in a suitable location.
Common Diseases
Some of the common diseases that may affect the plant Macrotyloma biflorum var. appresse-puberulum Verdc. include:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that attack the roots, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. To manage root rot, one should avoid overwatering, maintain good drainage, and apply fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is characterized by a white powdery substance that appears on the leaves. It is caused by fungal pathogens and can be managed by removing infected leaves, maintaining good air circulation, and applying fungicides.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that attack the leaves, causing spots that range from yellow to brown. To manage leaf spot, one should remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
Common Pests
The following are some common pests that may attack plant Macrotyloma biflorum var. appresse-puberulum Verdc.:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause distortions in the leaves and stunt growth. To manage aphids, one can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: These are caterpillars that attack the stem of the plant, leading to wilting. To manage cutworms, one can use biological control or pesticides.
- Mites: These are small insects that attack the underside of the leaves, causing stippling or discoloration. To manage mites, one can use insecticidal soap or predatory mites.
