Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. stenocarpum (Brenan) Verdc.
Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. stenocarpum (Brenan) Verdc., commonly known as horse gram, is a leguminous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is an annual plant that is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, Africa, and India, where it is a popular crop due to its various medicinal and nutritional properties.
Origin
Horse gram is believed to be native to India, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is also found in other parts of South Asia, such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The plant has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Africa, Australia, and South America, where it is also cultivated for its many benefits.
Common Names
Horse gram is known by different names in various languages and regions. In India, it is commonly referred to as "kulthi" in Hindi, "kollu" in Tamil, and "ulavalu" in Telugu. In other parts of the world, it is also known as "dolichos bean," "madras bean," "poor man's pulse," and "gahat."
Uses
Due to its various medicinal and nutritional properties, horse gram has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as coughs, asthma, and fever. It is also known to have diuretic properties that help in the treatment of kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Moreover, horse gram is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a valuable addition to the diet. It is particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans, as it is an excellent source of iron and calcium, which are usually found in animal products.
General Appearance
The horse gram plant is an erect, bushy plant that grows up to one meter tall. It has long, slender, and hairy stems with trifoliate leaves that are oval-shaped and pointed. The flowers are small and yellow, and the fruits are long, narrow pods that contain hard, oval-shaped seeds, which are used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Light Requirements
Macrotyloma uniflorum var. stenocarpum requires full sunlight exposure for its optimal growth. It thrives in areas where the light intensity is about 600-800 µmol m?2 s?1. Insufficient light can result in weak stems, poor production, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 16°C to 38°C. However, the optimal temperature range for its growth and development lies between 20°C and 35°C. Temperatures below 16°C can result in stunted growth, while temperatures above 38°C can lead to heat stress and reduced productivity.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-drained soils ranging from sandy loam to clay loam. It prefers a soil pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and adequate in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Poor soil moisture retention can lead to wilting, and waterlogging can significantly reduce productivity and cause the roots to rot.
Cultivation Methods
Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. stenocarpum (Brenan) Verdc., commonly known as horse gram, is a drought-tolerant and hardy plant that requires warm and dry growing conditions. The plant prefers well-drained soil, and a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5 is ideal for its growth. It can be grown in the tropics and subtropics, and it can tolerate temperatures as high as 35°C.
The ideal time to plant horse gram is at the onset of the rainy season. Sowing can be done either by direct seeding or transplanting. The recommended spacing between plants is 20-30 cm with a distance of 60-90 cm between rows. Horse gram is a leguminous plant that can fix nitrogen in the soil, making it ideal for crop rotation.
Watering Needs
Horse gram is a drought-tolerant plant and requires very little water. It can survive with rainfall as low as 300 mm per year. However, regular watering is necessary during the germination stage. The soil should be kept moist during this period. As the plant matures, watering should be reduced and gradually stopped as it approaches maturity. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can kill the plant.
Fertilization
Although horse gram can fix nitrogen in the soil, it can benefit from the application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers. The recommended fertilizer application is 20-25 kg/ha of nitrogen, 25-30 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 22-27 kg/ha of potassium. The application should be done one month after planting. Cow dung or compost can also be used as an alternative to chemical fertilizers.
Pruning
Horse gram is a low-maintenance plant that does not require extensive pruning. However, regular pruning can help in maintaining the overall health and productivity of the plant. The plant produces numerous branches that can compete for nutrients. To avoid this, pruning is recommended. Pinching the growing tips of the plant can also encourage branching, leading to more productive plants. Pruning should be done when the plant is still young.
Propagation Methods for Macrotyloma uniflorum var. stenocarpum
Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. stenocarpum (Brenan) Verdc. is commonly known as horse gram or kulthi. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is an annual legume crop that is widely cultivated in India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Horse gram is known for its high nutritional value and potential health benefits, which make it an attractive crop for both human consumption and animal feed.
Horse gram can be propagated by various methods. The following are some of the most common propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and preferred method for propagating horse gram. The seeds are sown directly into the soil during the planting season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and spaced 10-12 cm apart. The soil should be well-drained and fertile. The seeds usually germinate within 5-7 days, and the plants start to flower within 60-70 days.
It is important to use high-quality seeds that are free from pests and diseases. The seeds can be treated with fungicides or insecticides to prevent seed-borne diseases and pests. Seed treatment with rhizobia can also improve the nitrogen-fixing capacity of the plant.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation by stem cuttings is also possible for horse gram, but it is less common. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm in length and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormones and planted in well-drained soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight. The cuttings usually root within 3-4 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted after 6-8 weeks.
Division Propagation
Propagation by division is another method that can be used for horse gram. This method involves dividing the mature plants into smaller sections and planting them in individual pots or directly in the ground. The plants should be carefully dug up, and the root system should be divided into smaller sections. The divided plants should be planted immediately in well-drained soil and kept moist. The plants usually establish quickly, and the division method is ideal for propagating established plants or for rejuvenating old plants.
Disease Management
Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. stenocarpum (Brenan) Verdc. is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, some of the diseases that can affect the plant include:
- Root Rot: This is caused by soil-borne fungi and is exacerbated by waterlogged conditions. To manage this, ensure good drainage and avoid over-watering the plant.
- Fusarium Wilt: This is another fungal disease that causes wilting of the plant. To prevent this, ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil and avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
- Mosaic Virus: This is a viral disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. To prevent this, ensure that the plant is grown in a pest-free environment and avoid using infected seeds or plants.
Pest Management
While Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. stenocarpum (Brenan) Verdc. is resistant to most pests, some of the common pests that can affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage them, spray the plant with a solution of water, dish soap, and neem oil.
- Cutworms: These are larvae of moths that cut through the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. To manage them, use collars around the base of the plant and remove any weeds or debris around it.
- Thrips: These are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage them, spray the plant with a solution of water and insecticidal soap.
