Overview
Macrotyloma dewildemanianum is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae and is native to Africa. It is known by several common names, including de Wild’s vigna, tropical spiderwort, and wild vigna.
Appearance
Macrotyloma dewildemanianum is a climbing legume that can reach up to two meters in length. Its leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, and measure up to 12 cm long. The plant produces yellow flowers that are about 1 cm long. The pods are long, narrow, and pointed, containing several small seeds.
Uses
Macrotyloma dewildemanianum is often used as a food crop in Asia and Africa, where the seeds are commonly consumed. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and headache. Additionally, it can be used as a source of forage for livestock.
Light Requirements
The Macrotyloma dewildemanianum plant requires a good amount of sunlight for proper growth. It is recommended to keep the plant in direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. In indoor conditions, a spot near the windowsill that gets direct sunlight can be an ideal spot for the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growing Macrotyloma dewildemanianum is between 25°C to 35°C. The plant can tolerate high temperature up to 40°C but cannot survive in a temperature lower than 15°C. In colder regions, the plant can be grown indoors or in a greenhouse to maintain the required temperature range.
Soil Requirements
The Macrotyloma dewildemanianum plant can grow well in fertile and well-draining soil. The soil should be moderately acidic with a pH range between 6.0 and 6.5. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought but cannot survive in waterlogged soil.
Cultivation Methods for Macrotyloma dewildemanianum
Macrotyloma dewildemanianum is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures, high humidity levels, and plenty of sunlight to thrive. The plant grows well in loamy soil that is rich in nutrients and well-draining. It can be propagated using seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs for Macrotyloma dewildemanianum
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not soaked. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot. It is essential to allow the soil to dry out partially before watering again. The frequency of watering depends on the climate, humidity, and temperature of the plant's location.
Fertilization for Macrotyloma dewildemanianum
Macrotyloma dewildemanianum requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. A slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen can be applied to the soil once every three months during the growing season. Compost or organic matter can also be added to the soil to enhance its nutrient content.
Pruning for Macrotyloma dewildemanianum
Pruning is not necessary for Macrotyloma dewildemanianum. However, it can be done to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Dead or yellowing leaves and stems should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease and pest infestations. Pruning cuts should be made just above a leaf node or branch junction.
Propagation of Macrotyloma Dewildemanianum
Macrotyloma dewildemanianum (R.Wilczek) Verdc. commonly known as the African yam bean is a leguminous plant that is propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Propagation through Seeds
The African yam bean can be easily propagated through seeds. The seeds are available in most local markets and can be sown directly on the field. The best time to sow the seeds is at the onset of the rainy season when there is enough moisture for the seeds to germinate.
The seeds should be soaked in water overnight to allow faster and uniform germination. The seeds are then planted in rows with a distance of 30-40 cm between rows and 10-15 cm between seeds. The seeds are covered with a layer of soil (2-3 cm) and should germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another method used to propagate the African yam bean. This method is mainly used for commercial propagation and requires the use of healthy and disease-free cuttings obtained from mature plants.
The cuttings are obtained from the base of the plant and should be about 15-20 cm long. The leaves are then removed from the lower two-thirds of the stem leaving a few at the top. The cutting is then planted in a well-prepared bed and watered regularly.
The cutting should start shooting after 7-10 days and should be transplanted in the main field after 3-4 weeks. Care should be taken during transplanting to avoid damaging the roots or the shoots.
Propagation through Tissue Culture
Propagation through tissue culture is a modern method of propagation used to mass-produce the African yam bean. This method involves the use of sterile conditions and growth hormones to produce multiple plantlets from a single shoot-tip.
The shoot-tip is first sterilized and transferred to a nutrient-rich culture medium. The medium contains plant hormones that stimulate the growth of multiple shoots. After several weeks, the shoots are transferred to a medium with fewer hormones to promote root development.
The plantlets are then hardened and transferred to the field. This method is efficient in producing genetically identical plants that are disease-free and of high quality.
Disease and Pest Management for Macrotyloma dewildemanianum
Macrotyloma dewildemanianum is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions, but it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes circular, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and pods. The affected tissue usually turns brown or black and may also have a grayish-white center.
To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove infected plant debris and to avoid splashing water on the leaves and stems. You can also apply a fungicide to protect the plant from further infection.
Rust: This fungal disease causes reddish-brown pustules on the undersides of leaves. The affected tissue may also turn yellow and fall off.
To manage rust, you can remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide to protect the plant from further infection. It is also important to avoid overcrowding the plants and to provide good air circulation.
Pests
Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. They may also transmit plant viruses.
To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off the leaves. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Bean leaf beetles: These insects feed on the leaves and pods of the plant, causing small holes and defoliation.
To manage bean leaf beetles, you can handpick them off the plant or apply an insecticide to control their population. It is also important to remove plant debris from the garden to prevent overwintering of the beetles.
By managing these diseases and pests, you can help your Macrotyloma dewildemanianum plants grow healthier and more productive.
