Origin:
Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. verrucosum Verdc. is a leguminous plant species that is native to Africa and Asia. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as Horse Gram, Kulthi Bean, Madras Bean, and Dolicos Hirsutus.
Uses:
The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine for the treatment of a wide range of ailments such as rheumatism, digestive disorders, and diabetes. The seeds have also been used as a livestock feed in many parts of the world. In addition, its leaves and stems are used for soil conservation and as green manures.
General Appearance:
Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. verrucosum Verdc. is an annual herb that grows up to 60 cm in height. The plant has a strong taproot system that helps it thrive in poor soil conditions. The leaves are trifoliate and have a sub-lobed and ovate shape, with the middle leaflet being larger than the other two. The plant produces small, yellowish flowers that are borne singly or in pairs on long, slender stalks. The fruits bear pods that are cylindrical, curved, and covered with small warts. The seeds are small, flattened, and oval in shape, with a brown or grayish color.
Light Requirements
Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. verrucosum Verdc. is a plant that thrives well under direct sunlight. It requires at least six hours of sunlight exposure per day to grow healthily. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and poor productivity.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a warm climate to grow well. It thrives best when the temperature is between 20 to 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C and above 38°C can affect the plant's growth and affect its yield.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loam, and clay soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The ideal soil temperature for Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. verrucosum Verdc. is between 25 to 35°C.
Cultivation methods
Macrotyloma uniflorum, commonly known as horse gram, is a hardy annual plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. The plant grows best in well-drained soils and requires full sun exposure. It can withstand high temperatures and drought and can grow in wide range of soils, from sandy loams to clayey soils.
You can plant horse gram seeds in rows or by broadcasting. It prefers direct seeding, rather than transplantation. Sow the seeds about an inch deep and 4-6 inches apart. Germination usually occurs within 7-14 days. For optimal yields, keep the weed under control by regular weeding and thinning, and provide adequate spacing.
Watering needs
Horse gram is drought-resistant, so the plant only requires occasional irrigation during dry spells. Water the crop lightly and frequently during the early stages of growth to aid in germination and establishment. However, once established, horse gram is capable of surviving extended dry periods.
Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. A general rule of thumb is to avoid standing water in the plantation, as too much moisture can hinder growth and even kill the plants.
Fertilization
Horse gram does not require heavy fertilization, and the plants can grow well in soils of low-to-medium fertility. A base dressing of farmyard manure or compost can be applied before planting to enrich the soil with nutrients. However, nitrogen and phosphorus supplements may be necessary for optimal growth and yields.
Top-dress the plantation with nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers at the onset of flowering or pod development. As always, follow the recommended dosage to avoid overfertilization, which can result in excessive vegetative growth and lower yields.
Pruning
Pruning horse gram is not necessary, but it can improve plant growth and yields. Regular pruning or pinching of the top growth can stimulate branching, leading to more flowers and pods. This practice can also help prevent lodging, which is when the plants fall over due to their extended growth.
Most farmers do not prune horse gram, so this is an optional task. However, it can be beneficial to the plant if you aim to improve yields and quality.
Propagation Methods of Macrotyloma Uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. Verrucosum Verdc.
M. uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. verrucosum Verdc., commonly known as horse gram, is a valuable legume crop that plays a crucial role in many countries' food and nutritional security. The plant is primarily propagated through seeds, and several factors affect seed germination and seedling establishment.
Seed Collection and Storage
The seeds should be collected from healthy and disease-free plants. The mature pods are harvested, and the seeds are separated by threshing or rubbing the pods. The seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a dry and cool place before sowing. Proper seed storage is crucial to maintain seed viability and vigor.
Seed Treatment
Seed treatment is necessary to improve seed germination and seedling vigor. The seeds can be treated with a fungicide or bio-agent to control seed-borne pathogens. Seed soaking in water for 24 hours or scarification (scratching the seed coat) can also enhance seed germination.
Sowing
Direct sowing of seeds in the field is the most common method of propagation. The ideal time for sowing is at the onset of the monsoon season when the soil moisture is favorable for seed germination and seedling establishment. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 3-5 cm and spaced at 30-45 cm apart, depending on the cultivar.
Vegetative propagation
The vegetative propagation of horse gram is also possible through stem cuttings or root cuttings. However, it is not a popular method as it does not maintain the genetic purity of the plant.
By following the proper methods of seed collection, storage, treatment, and sowing, the propagation of horse gram can be successful, and farmers can obtain a higher yield of this important crop.
Disease and Pest Management for Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. verrucosum Verdc.
Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. verrucosum Verdc., commonly known as horse gram, is a hardy and drought-resistant legume belonging to the Fabaceae family.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect horse gram are fungal diseases that thrive in moist and humid weather conditions.
1. Fusarium wilt: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots and stems of the plants, leading to wilting and eventual death. It can be managed by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding waterlogging of the soil.
2. Anthracnose: This is another fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant, leading to necrosis and premature death. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant debris and using fungicides.
Common Pests
Horse gram is relatively resistant to pests. However, some common pests that might affect the plant are as follows:
1. Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves, leading to stunted growth and distortion. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
2. Armyworms: These are the larvae of various species of moths that feed on the leaves, leading to skeletonization of the foliage. They can be managed by using botanical insecticides like pyrethrin or spinosad or by introducing natural predators like parasitic wasps and birds.
Ways to Manage Diseases and Pests
1. Prevention: The best way to manage diseases and pests is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. This can be done by following good cultural practices like crop rotation, ensuring proper drainage, and avoiding over-irrigation.
2. Monitoring: Regular monitoring of the plants is essential to detect early signs of diseases and pests. This will enable prompt action to be taken before the problem escalates.
3. Control measures: If the plants become infected or infested, prompt action is necessary to control the problem. This can be done by using appropriate fungicides or insecticides, removing and destroying infected plant debris, and introducing natural predators.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management strategies are essential for the healthy growth and productivity of horse gram plants.
