Overview
Macrotyloma tenuiflorum (Micheli) Verdc. is commonly known as horse gram and is an interesting plant with a wide range of uses. It is a legume that has been used for centuries as a food, medicine, and animal feed. The plant is native to India and is now widely cultivated throughout Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Common Names
In India, horse gram is known by many names including hurali, kulith, gahat, and Madras gram. In other regions, it is also referred to as grain de cheval, kollu, or muthira.
Appearance
Horse gram is a small bushy plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall. It has a robust, drought-tolerant taproot that can grow up to 1.5 meters deep and has a well-branched stem. The plant has compound leaves, with each leaf having 3 small leaflets, and the flowers are small, pale yellow, and produced in clusters. The plant produces pods that contain small, brown, kidney-shaped seeds which are the primary product of interest.
Uses
Horse gram is used in a variety of traditional dishes in India, such as curries, soups, and salads. It is a good source of protein, iron, and dietary fiber and is often used as a home remedy for various ailments such as colds, fevers, and kidney stones. In recent years, horse gram has gained attention for its potential health benefits, particularly for weight loss and the management of diabetes and high blood pressure. Additionally, the hulls of the seeds are used as animal feed, and the plant is also used as green manure, making it a valuable crop for sustainable farming practices.
Growth Conditions for Macrotyloma tenuiflorum
Light: Macrotyloma tenuiflorum requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It cannot tolerate shading and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature: This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 10°C to as high as 38°C. However, the ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures lower than 10°C or higher than 38°C can slow down or even arrest its growth.
Soil: Macrotyloma tenuiflorum can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy loam, loam, clay loam, and red sandy loam. However, it does best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils. The pH range that suits this plant is 5.5 to 7.8.
Water: The plant requires moderate water for optimal growth. It can tolerate mild drought conditions, but excessive drought can cause damage to the plant. On the other hand, overwatering can lead to waterlogging, which is not suitable for the plant. The best practice is to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizer: Applying fertilizers in the right amounts and at the right time can significantly enhance the growth of Macrotyloma tenuiflorum. Adding organic matter to the soil before planting is recommended. During the growth phase, the plant can benefit from nitrogen-based fertilizers applied at regular intervals.
Cultivation Methods
Macrotyloma tenuiflorum, commonly known as horse gram, is a hardy and drought-resistant plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers sandy or loamy soils with good drainage and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Planting should be done during the rainy season, and the seeds should be sowed in rows with a distance of 30-40 cm between them.
Thin out seedlings to a spacing of 15-20 cm between the plants after they have grown to be six inches tall. Horse gram may be grown in rotation with other crops such as rice, sorghum, or maize, and it is typically grown as a dry crop because it produces well without irrigation.
Watering Needs
Horse gram requires minimal watering and can typically survive through drought periods. Watering should be done only when necessary, and it's generally done every ten days during the flowering and seed-setting phases. It's essential to avoid overwatering plants because waterlogged roots can cause the plant to die.
Fertilization
Use nitrogen-based fertilizers for improved yields and rapid plant growth. During the flowering and seed development stages, fertilizers may be applied at the rate of 15 - 30 kg per hectare. Horse gram is sensitive to soil acidity, so it's crucial to maintain the pH of the soil within the recommended range for optimum growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not generally recommended for horse gram, as it may harm the plants' growth. If pruning is necessary, ensure that it is done in moderation and only to remove dead or diseased parts of the plant. The plant's pod must be harvested when dry, and the stem must be allowed to remain until all the pods have dried on the plant before harvest.
Propagation of Macrotyloma tenuiflorum
Macrotyloma tenuiflorum, commonly known as horse gram, is a legume that is popularly cultivated for its nutritious seeds. Propagation of this plant is primarily done by seeds, but vegetative methods can also be used in some cases.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Macrotyloma tenuiflorum can be directly sown in the field during the months of June to July, which is the rainy season. The seeds are first soaked in water for 12 to 24 hours to improve germination. After soaking, the seeds are spread on the prepared land and covered with soil. The seeds will germinate within 5 to 7 days.
In areas with a short rainy season, the seeds can be sown in the nursery and then transplanted to the field after 20 to 30 days. The seeds are sown in beds at a spacing of 10 cm between plants and 20 cm between rows. When transplanting, the plants should be spaced at least 40 cm apart.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Macrotyloma tenuiflorum can be done through stem cuttings and root cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings are then treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained growing medium. The cuttings will develop roots within 3 to 4 weeks and can be transplanted to the field.
Root cuttings are taken from mature plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 5 cm long and should have at least one node. The cuttings are planted horizontally in the soil about 2 cm deep. The cuttings will develop shoots in the next growing season.
Overall, the propagation of Macrotyloma tenuiflorum is relatively simple and can be done using either seed or vegetative methods, depending on the availability of planting material and the prevailing growing conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Macrotyloma Tenuiflorum (Micheli) Verdc.
Macrotyloma Tenuiflorum, commonly known as horse gram, is a leguminous plant that is highly nutritious and has several medicinal properties. However, it is susceptible to certain pests and diseases that can significantly reduce its yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including horse gram. It appears as a white or gray powder on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is essential to maintain good air circulation around the plant, avoid overcrowding, and keep the leaves dry. Additionally, spraying the plant with a solution of neem oil and water can be effective.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by a fungal pathogen and presents as brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove infected plant material and maintain proper sanitation practices. Additionally, spraying the plant with a fungicide can control the spread of the disease.
3. Root Rot: Root rot is caused by a fungal pathogen that affects the roots of the plant. It causes the roots to rot, making it difficult for the plant to absorb nutrients and water, resulting in stunted growth and even death. To manage this disease, it is essential to avoid overwatering and ensure that the plant is growing in well-draining soil.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and deformities in the leaves and stems. To manage aphids, it is essential to spray the plant with a solution of water and insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, flying insects that feed on the leaves of the plant. They can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage whiteflies, it is essential to introduce natural predators like ladybugs or to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval form of moths and butterflies and can cause significant damage to the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillars, it is essential to remove any visible caterpillars by hand and use an organic pesticide like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can grow healthy, productive Macrotyloma Tenuiflorum plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
