Origin and Common Names
Macrotyloma densiflorum (Welw. ex Baker) Verdc. var. densiflorum, also known by its common name, horsegram, is a legume crop that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to India and Africa, particularly in the semi-arid tropics and subtropics.General Appearance
The horsegram plant has a rough and hairy stem that can grow up to 60 cm tall. Its leaves are composed of three leaflets that are oval or lance-shaped, and its flowers bloom in clusters of yellow, purple, or blue. The plant's fruit is a pod that contains one or two seeds.Uses
Horsegram is a significant crop in India and Africa, primarily used for human consumption and animal feed. It is popularly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments like colds, fever, throat and eye infections, and digestive disorders. Horsegram is also rich in protein, iron, and dietary fiber, making it a good addition to a healthy diet. The seeds can be cooked like lentils or ground into flour for use in cooking and baking. Additionally, horsegram is used as a cover crop in agriculture to prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and suppress weed growth. In conclusion, Macrotyloma densiflorum (Welw. ex Baker) Verdc. var. densiflorum, or horsegram, is a legume crop that is native to India and Africa, known for its significant uses in traditional medicine, human consumption, and animal feed. It has a distinct appearance with rough and hairy stems, oval or lance-shaped leaves, and yellow, purple, or blue flowers that bloom in clusters. Horsegram also has agricultural benefits as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility.Light Requirements
Macrotyloma densiflorum requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. It should be planted in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Lack of adequate sunlight may result in stunted growth and decreased crop yield.
Temperature Requirements
Macrotyloma densiflorum prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20-35°C for optimal growth. It’s a tropical crop that does well in areas with a minimum temperature of 15°C and a maximum of 40°C. Temperatures below 10°C and above 45°C are unsuitable for the growth of this plant.
Soil Requirements
Macrotyloma densiflorum can adapt to various soil types but thrives best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers fertile soils with high organic matter content to support its growth. The soil should be prepared by loosening it a few weeks before planting to allow good aeration and water infiltration.
Fertilizer application is necessary in areas with poor soil fertility. Addition of phosphorus during planting and potassium during flowering enhances the crop’s growth, yield, and quality. The crop requires adequate moisture, especially during flowering and pod formation, to prevent reduced yield and poor seed quality.
Cultivation methods
Macrotyloma densiflorum, commonly known as horse gram or Madras gram, is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought, high temperatures, and poor soil conditions. It is primarily grown as a food crop in Asia and Africa, but it can also be grown as an ornamental plant in gardens.
The plant requires full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Sow the seeds directly into the soil after the last frost, and space them about 6 inches apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, and water the area gently but thoroughly. The seeds should germinate in 7-10 days.
Watering needs
Macrotyloma densiflorum is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still requires regular watering until it establishes a deep root system. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce the watering frequency during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Macrotyloma densiflorum does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it will benefit from a balanced fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10, and apply it according to the instructions on the package. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter months.
Pruning
Macrotyloma densiflorum does not require pruning for its growth, but removing the dead and damaged leaves will promote healthy growth and flowering.
Propagation of Macrotyloma densiflorum var. densiflorum
Macrotyloma densiflorum var. densiflorum, commonly known as horse gram, is a drought-tolerant and hardy legume crop. The plant can be propagated through both vegetative and seed propagation methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and efficient method of propagating horse gram. The seeds should be collected from mature and healthy plants. The collected seeds should be dried and stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be planted.
Before planting, the seeds should be treated with a fungicide or soaked in water for 24 hours to improve germination rates. The seeds can then be sowed directly in the field or in seed trays filled with soil. The optimum time for sowing horse gram seeds is during the rainy season.
The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-3 cm in well-drained fertile soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, during the germination period. Within 7-10 days, the seeds will germinate, and the seedlings will emerge from the soil.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of horse gram is also possible through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. The cutting should be about 15-20 cm in length and should contain at least 2-3 nodes.
The stem cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The cuttings should be planted at a depth of 5-7 cm and should be watered regularly until roots develop.
Horse gram can also be propagated through layering, where a branch is bent down and covered with soil to encourage root formation. Once the roots have developed, the branch can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted to another location.
Overall, both seed and vegetative propagation methods can be used to propagate Macrotyloma densiflorum var. densiflorum successfully. The choice of propagation method will depend on the availability of planting materials and the desired outcome.
Disease Management
Macrotyloma densiflorum is a hardy plant and usually resistant to many diseases. However, a few common diseases that may affect it are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes irregular and sunken dark spots on the leaves, stems, and pods. Infected parts of the plant may die, and the yield is reduced. It can be controlled by using fungicides such as copper-based or chlorothalonil-based products and avoiding overhead irrigation.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungal pathogens that attack the plant's roots, causing them to rot and leading to considerable damage to the plant. Proper irrigation and soil drainage can help in preventing this disease.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause powdery white or gray spots on the leaves, which may cause defoliation and reduced yield. Proper fungicide applications and practicing good cultural practices such as spacing plants adequately can control this disease.
Pest Management
Some common pests that can attack Macrotyloma densiflorum are:
- Soybean pod borer: This pest can damage the flowers, pods, and seeds of the plant. Monitoring the field and appropriately timed insecticide applications can help in controlling this pest.
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can transmit viral diseases and cause stunting of the plant. They can be controlled by using insecticide sprays or natural predators such as parasitic wasps and ladybugs.
- Cowpea curculio: This pest can cause significant damage to the seeds, making them unmarketable. Crop rotation and insecticide applications can provide control.
Regular scouting, crop rotation, adequate irrigation, and proper cultural practices can help prevent infestations and limit the damage caused by pests and diseases.
