Description of Macrotyloma chrysanthum (A.Chev.) Verdc. var. occidentalis auct.
Macrotyloma chrysanthum (A.Chev.) Verdc. var. occidentalis auct., commonly known as "guinea corn," is a delicate, woody plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a subspecies of Macrotyloma chrysanthum that originated in Africa and can be found growing wild throughout West Africa.
Common Names
Macrotyloma chrysanthum (A.Chev.) Verdc. var. occidentalis auct. goes by different common names across West Africa, such as "guinea corn," "pigeon pea," "duka," "ataka," "canap," and "ayiyi."
Uses
The plant is often used as a food source across West Africa. Its seeds are cooked and used in stews or soups, while the leaves are consumed as a vegetable. The plant is also used for medicinal purposes, and its seeds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
General Appearance
Macrotyloma chrysanthum (A.Chev.) Verdc. var. occidentalis auct. is a small, delicate plant that typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet. Its leaves are pinnate, with 3-5 leaflets that are lance-shaped and approximately 7-10 cm long. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that are clustered together and bloom during the rainy season. The plant's seeds are small, rounded, and dark brown in color.
Light Requirements
Macrotyloma chrysanthum var. occidentalis grows best under full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. As a leguminous plant, it has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through its association with rhizobia bacteria. This process is dependent on the amount of light available for photosynthesis, making light an essential growth factor for the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth and development of Macrotyloma chrysanthum var. occidentalis is between 25 to 35°C. It requires warm temperatures to germinate, establish, and grow. Cooler temperatures can delay seed germination and slow down plant growth, while temperatures above 35°C may cause heat stress, leading to reduced plant development and yield.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, sandy loam, and fertile soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a good water holding capacity to promote healthy plant growth. It is also tolerant of slightly acidic to alkaline soils and moderate drought conditions. However, waterlogging and excessively high or low soil pH can negatively affect plant growth and development.
Cultivation of Macrotyloma chrysanthum (A.Chev.) Verdc. var. occidentalis auct.
Macrotyloma chrysanthum (A.Chev.) Verdc. var. occidentalis auct. is an annual legume plant that is grown for its nutritious seeds. It is widely cultivated in Africa, Asia, and Australia for both human and animal consumption.
When cultivating Macrotyloma chrysanthum (A.Chev.) Verdc. var. occidentalis auct., it's important to choose a well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant prefers a warm climate and can grow in both full sun and partial shade.
Watering Needs
Macrotyloma chrysanthum (A.Chev.) Verdc. var. occidentalis auct. requires regular watering to maintain its growth. The plant should be watered thoroughly once or twice a week during the growing season, depending on the soil moisture content. It's important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
Fertilization
Macrotyloma chrysanthum (A.Chev.) Verdc. var. occidentalis auct. responds well to fertilization, especially nitrogen-rich fertilizers. It's recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14, during the early stages of growth. As the plant matures, a higher-nitrogen fertilizer can be used to encourage robust vegetative growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Macrotyloma chrysanthum (A.Chev.) Verdc. var. occidentalis auct. However, removing the lower branches can help increase airflow and reduce the risk of fungal infections. Additionally, cutting back the plant after it begins to flower can encourage the growth of new shoots and prolong the harvest season.
Propagation of Macrotyloma chrysanthum var. occidentalis
Macrotyloma chrysanthum var. occidentalis can be propagated using either seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Macrotyloma chrysanthum var. occidentalis. Seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in seedling trays. However, it is recommended to sow seeds directly into the soil. Before sowing the seeds, the soil should be loosened and amended with organic matter or compost. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 2-3 cm and watered regularly. They can take up to two weeks to germinate.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation via cuttings is another method of propagation for Macrotyloma chrysanthum var. occidentalis. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants with softwood stems. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should be taken during the early morning when the plant tissues are hydrated. The cuttings should be planted in rooting hormone and then placed in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings need to be watered regularly and the soil needs to be kept moist. Rooting can take up to a few weeks, and once the cuttings have developed a good root system, they can be transplanted to the desired location.
Disease Management
Macrotyloma chrysanthum (A.Chev.) Verdc. var. occidentalis auct. is relatively disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to common plant diseases like root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
Root rot, caused by soil-borne fungi like Fusarium and Phytophthora, can be avoided by ensuring proper drainage and watering practices. Avoid overwatering and use well-draining soil. Digging up and discarding affected plants can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum, can be controlled by ensuring proper air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Applying fungicides like neem oil or potassium bicarbonate can also help prevent and control powdery mildew.
Leaf spot, caused by the fungi Alternaria macrotyli and Cercospora canescens, can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and providing proper plant spacing for good air circulation. Fungal sprays and copper-based fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
Macrotyloma chrysanthum (A.Chev.) Verdc. var. occidentalis auct. can be attacked by several pests, including aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars.
Aphids can be controlled by washing the plant with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybirds and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to the garden to control these pests.
Spider mites can be prevented by ensuring proper soil moisture and avoiding hot and dry conditions. Severe infestations can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars, including the bean pod borer, can be controlled by manually removing them from the plant or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide, applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of pests and diseases and taking appropriate measures when they are detected can help ensure a healthy and productive crop of Macrotyloma chrysanthum (A.Chev.) Verdc. var. occidentalis auct.
