Overview
Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is commonly known as the Great Northern bush bean and it is native to Ethiopia, Africa.
Appearance
The Great Northern bush bean plant is a short, bushy plant that grows to a height of approximately 1 meter. It has a strong, thick stem that supports its leaves, flowers, and pods. The leaves of this plant are trifoliate, meaning they have three leaflets. The flowers are white to pinkish and can be found in clusters. The pods are elongated and cylindrical, measuring approximately 15 cm in length. These pods contain the seeds or beans that are commonly consumed as a culinary ingredient.
Common Names
The Great Northern bush bean plant is known by several common names in different parts of the world. In Ethiopia, it is called "Ater" or "Bulga". In other regions of Africa, it is referred to as "Norse bean", "Horse bean", or "Tick bean". In some parts of the United States, it is known as the "White kidney bean" or simply "Great Northern bean".
Uses
The Great Northern bush bean plant is primarily cultivated for its edible seeds or beans. These beans have a mild and nutty flavor and are commonly used in dishes such as stews, soups, and casseroles. They are also an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. In addition to its culinary uses, this plant is also used for medicinal purposes in some African traditional medicine practices.
Aside from its utilitarian uses, the Great Northern bush bean plant is also grown as an ornamental plant in some gardens. Its attractive flowers and elongated pods add visual interest to any garden setting.
Light Requirements
Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi is a plant that requires ample amounts of sunlight. It is best grown in areas with full sun exposure or partial shade. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day; otherwise, it may not develop properly. In areas with high temperatures, partial shade may be required, as excessive sunlight can cause dehydration in the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi grows well in warm and humid areas. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 25°C to 35°C. The plant prefers warmer temperatures and may not thrive in cold climates. Temperatures below 10°C can cause damage to the plant and hinder its growth.
Soil Requirements
The soil type for Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi should be well-drained, rich in nutrients, and with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant is adaptable to a variety of soils such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as they are well-drained. It is essential to ensure that the soil has good water retention properties, as the plant requires adequate soil moisture for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi, also known as the great northern bean, is an annual plant that requires a warm climate for good growth and development. Hence, its optimal planting time is during the warm months of spring or early summer. The site for planting should be well-drained, and the soil should be rich in organic matter to provide the required nutrients.
The seeds should be planted 1-2 inches deep, with a spacing of 2-4 inches. This plant can be grown in rows or hills, with rows being 18-36 inches apart and hills approximately 3 feet away. After planting, regular maintenance practices such as weeding and pest control should be done to ensure a healthy plant crop.
Watering Needs
Watering is an essential aspect of Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi cultivation. This plant requires adequate water to maintain healthy growth and optimal yields. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Watering should be done regularly, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. During the early growth stages, the plant requires more frequent watering, but as it matures, watering can be done weekly or bi-weekly. Irrigation should be done in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation and water wastage.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial in Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi cultivation, as it helps provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and high yields. Before planting, the soil should be tested to determine the nutrient deficiencies and the appropriate fertilizer type and dosage to use.
During planting, a well-balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) can be applied. Additionally, a topdressing of nitrogen fertilizer can be done during the flowering and pod formation stages to encourage high yields.
Pruning
Pruning is not a common practice in Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi cultivation. However, it is essential to remove any dead or damaged plant parts to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Also, any crossing or twisting stems should be removed to improve air circulation and light penetration to the lower parts of the plant.
The use of support structures like stakes and trellises can help prevent the plant from falling over due to the weight of the pods. Additionally, removing the first set of flowers can lead to early pod development and a higher yield.
Propagation of Phaseolus Abyssinicus Savi
Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi, commonly known as the Abyssinian bean, can be propagated by either sexual or asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to grow new plants. Seeds can be obtained by allowing the pods of mature plants to dry out before harvesting them. The seeds can then be stored in cool, dry conditions until ready for planting.
The seeds should be planted in warm, moist soil during the growing season. They should be sown in rows, with a spacing of 20-30 cm between them. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Seeds should be planted at a depth of 3-4 cm.
Germination of Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi usually occurs within 7-10 days if the soil is kept moist. The seedlings should be thinned out after 2-3 weeks to ensure that each plant has enough space to grow. Seedlings should be watered regularly and provided with adequate sunlight (6-8 hours per day).
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation involves the use of vegetative parts of the plant to grow new plants. Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi can be propagated asexually by stem cuttings, layering, or division.
Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants during the growing season. Cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and taken from the middle or upper part of the stem. The leaves on the bottom half of the cutting should be removed before planting it in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist and the cutting should be provided with adequate sunlight.
Layering involves bending a low-growing stem to the ground and covering it with soil. After a few weeks, the stem will produce roots and shoots. The new plant can then be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Division involves separating a mature plant into smaller parts. This method is best done during the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. The plant should be carefully dug up and the root system separated into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot and root system. The new plants should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi
Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Disease and pest management strategies should focus on preventing or controlling the spread of these diseases and pests. The following are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi, and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Bacterial blight: This disease is caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli. It causes the plant to develop brown spots on its leaves, which eventually turn yellow and drop off. Control of this disease involves planting resistant cultivars or using copper-based fungicides.
Fusarium wilt: This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, and causes the plant to wilt and eventually die. Soil-borne, this disease is difficult to control once it's in the soil. Crop rotation and soil fumigation may help to prevent or reduce the severity of this disease.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes circular spots on the leaves, stems and pods of the plant. The spots may be black or dark brown, and may have a yellow halo around them. The disease may cause defoliation and yield loss. Fungicide applications may help to control the spread of this disease
Pests
Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to yellow and curl. They also transmit plant viruses. To control aphids, use insecticidal soap and biological control agents such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Bean Beetles: These small beetles cause damage by feeding on leaves and pods of the plant. They can be controlled by handpicking them or using insecticides.
Spider mites: These small insects live on the undersides of leaves, sucking out the sap of the plant and causing the leaves to turn yellow or brown and to drop. They are difficult to detect and control. Use acaricides or sprays of water and insecticidal soap to control them.
By keeping an eye out for these diseases and pests, and using appropriate management strategies, growers can help to ensure healthy plant growth and good yields of Phaseolus abyssinicus Savi.
