Introduction
Neonotonia wightii (Wight & Arn.) J.A.Lackey var. longicauda (Schweinf.) J.A.Lackey, commonly known as the perennial soybean, is a woody, perennial, and leguminous plant. It is an important forage crop that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant derives its name from the Greek words "neos," meaning new, and "noton," meaning back. Neonotonia wightii is native to Africa and was introduced to other parts of the world where it is cultivated for various purposes.General Appearance
Neonotonia wightii can grow up to two meters tall and has a woody stem with brown to gray bark. It has trifoliate leaves that are green and hairy on the underside. The leaflets are oblong-shaped with a pointed apex and grow up to five centimeters long. The flowering period usually begins in the middle of summer and lasts up to a month. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches and are purple, pink, or white in color. The fruit of Neonotonia wightii is a pod, which is green, flat, and elongated.Origin and Distribution
Neonotonia wightii originated from Africa and is found in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It was introduced to other parts of the world such as South America and Asia where it is cultivated mainly as a forage crop. In South America, it is grown in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.Common Names
Neonotonia wightii is known by different names depending on the region. In Africa, it is commonly referred to as Siratro, whereas in Brazil, it is called Amendoim-Azétona. Other common names include Peanut Grass and Perennial soybean.Uses
Neonotonia wightii is mainly grown as a forage crop due to its high nutrient content. It is rich in protein and essential amino acids, making it an ideal feed for cattle, sheep, and goats. It is also used as a cover crop to control soil erosion as it stabilizes the soil and improves soil fertility. Additionally, it is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as respiratory infections, diarrhea, and fever. In conclusion, Neonotonia wightii is a woody, perennial, and leguminous plant that is native to Africa and has been introduced to other parts of the world for its various uses. It is commonly grown as a forage crop and is rich in nutrients, making it an ideal feed for livestock. It is also used as a cover crop and in traditional medicine.Light Requirements
Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda is a plant that thrives in full sunlight. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and develop properly. Therefore, it is best to grow it in areas with a lot of sunlight, such as fields, open gardens, and parks.
Temperature Requirements
Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda is native to tropical and subtropical regions and is therefore adapted to warm temperatures. It thrives in temperatures of 25°C to 35°C and can tolerate a temperature range of 10°C to 40°C. Temperatures below 10°C can be detrimental to its growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda grows well in well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter with a good water-holding capacity. The soil should also be fertile, with adequate levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Therefore, it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with a N:P:K ratio of 4:2:1 at planting time, followed by regular fertilizer applications during the growing season.
Cultivation methods
Neonotonia wightii (Wight & Arn.) J.A.Lackey var. longicauda (Schweinf.) J.A.Lackey, commonly called Ramdhain or Purple Bush Bean, is a legume species that thrives in tropical, sub-tropical, and warm-temperate climates. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and grows well in well-draining clay or sandy loam soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Neonotonia wightii varieties are usually propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs
The watering needs of Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda vary throughout its growth cycle. During the germination stage and early vegetative phase, the plant requires frequent watering to maintain moist soil conditions. Once the plant matures and enters the flowering and fruiting stages, reduce the watering to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda requires regular fertilization to produce healthy and high-yielding crops. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium and low in nitrogen after the first leaves appear and repeat the application every six to eight weeks throughout the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization as it may lead to excess leafy growth at the expense of flower and fruit development.
Pruning
Pruning Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda promotes bushier growth and higher yields. Prune the plant at the end of every growing season or whenever the plant reaches two-thirds of its maximum height. Trim off the top of the plant to encourage the growth of lateral branches. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
Propagation of Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda
Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda can be propagated by several methods. The most common ones are:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda can be collected from mature pods. The seeds are small and dark brown in color. They can be directly sown in the ground or started in pots. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to enhance germination. The ideal time for sowing is in spring or summer. The seedlings will take about 6-8 weeks to germinate.
Cuttings propagation
Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Take cuttings from mature, healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and have 2-3 nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them in a bright, warm location. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should root in about 4-6 weeks.
Division propagation
Division is another method of propagating Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda. When the plant becomes large and clump-like, it can be divided into several smaller sections. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the sections with a sharp, clean knife. Each section should have a portion of the root system and a few stems. Plant each section in a pot or directly in the ground, and water well. Keep the soil moist until new growth appears, and then follow normal care procedures.
Disease and Pest Management for Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda
Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda is relatively resistant to diseases and pests compared to other plants. However, certain pests and diseases may still affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Neonotonia wightii var. longicauda and their management:
Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf and stem spots, which may result in premature defoliation. The disease is typically more severe in wet conditions. To manage anthracnose, avoid wetting the leaves, remove and destroy infected material, and apply fungicides.
Rhizoctonia root rot: Rhizoctonia root rot is a soil-borne disease that causes the roots and lower stem of the plant to rot. Infected plants wilt and eventually die. To prevent Rhizoctonia root rot, avoid planting the crop in poorly drained soils, rotate crops, and use fungicides.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant. Heavy infestations can weaken the plant and reduce yield. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or release natural predators such as ladybugs.
Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and break. To manage cutworms, handpick the caterpillars and destroy them, or apply insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and mottling. Heavy infestations can cause the leaves to fall off. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to dislodge them, or use insecticides containing neem oil or pyrethrins.
