Origin
Phaseolus acutifolius Gray var. tenuifolius Gray, commonly known as Tepary bean, is a species of legume native to North America, particularly the southwestern United States and Mexico. It has been cultivated by Native American tribes for centuries and is an important part of their diet and culture.
Common Names
Besides Tepary bean, this plant is also known as desert bean, azuki bean, sand bean, and kidney bean.
Uses
The Tepary bean is a hardy crop that can endure drought, heat, and low-quality soil. It is an essential food source for the indigenous communities of the region, where it is used in various traditional dishes and is often eaten with corn. Its high protein content and low glycemic index make it a valuable ingredient for anyone seeking a healthy diet.
Furthermore, it is gaining popularity among farmers in arid and semi-arid regions because of its adaptive capacity, leading to sustainable crop production in water-limited areas.
General Appearance
The Tepary bean is a vine plant that can grow up to 2 m tall. Its leaves are thin and elongated, and the flowers are small and white or pink. The fruits are narrow and curved pods containing up to 20 brown, beige, or speckled seeds, each measuring around 5 mm in diameter.
It is a hardy plant that withstands high temperatures and grows fastest under full sunlight. It is highly resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a relatively easy plant to grow.
Growth Conditions for Phaseolus acutifolius Gray var. tenuifolius Gray
Light Requirements: Phaseolus acutifolius Gray var. tenuifolius Gray requires full sun exposure for optimum growth and good yields. Thus, it is best suited to grow in areas with bright light conditions.
Temperature Requirements: The plant is native to Mexico and parts of Central and South America, and it prefers warm to hot climates. The optimal temperature range for growth is 20-35°C (68-95°F). The plant growth starts to slow down when temperatures drop below 18°C (64.4°F), and frost damages the foliage and fruits. Thus, it is crucial to grow this plant in regions with warm temperatures with minimal low temperature variations.
Soil Requirements: The plant prefers well-draining soils of sandy or loamy texture with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. These soils offer adequate aeration and nutrients, allowing the plant to grow optimally. The plant also prefers soils rich in organic matter, which helps to retain moisture and nutrients.
Water Requirements: Phaseolus acutifolius Gray var. tenuifolius Gray requires moderate water supply to grow well. However, the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils, and thus it is essential to ensure the soil has good drainage. In areas with low rainfall, it is necessary to irrigate the crop regularly.
Fertilizer Requirements: The plant does not require heavy fertilizer inputs but will benefit from moderate applications of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Fertilizers can be added during the initial soil preparation process before planting.
In summary, Phaseolus acutifolius Gray var. tenuifolius Gray requires full sun exposure, warm to hot temperatures, well-draining soils rich in organic matter and moderate but adequate water supply.
Cultivation methods
Phaseolus acutifolius Gray var. tenuifolius Gray is commonly known as Tepary bean, a warm-season plant that is drought-tolerant and prefers well-draining sandy soil. It is crucial to prepare the soil before planting, incorporating compost or aged manure into the soil. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of 1 inch, with a spacing of 4-6 inches between each seed. The germination period for Tepary beans is between 6-12 days, and planting should be done in the late spring or early summer when the soil temperature is above 50°F.
Watering needs
Tepary beans are known for their drought tolerance, but they require consistent moisture during the germination period. After germination, water the plants only when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Overwatering can cause root rot and affect plant growth. During the hot summer months, provide additional water to prevent stress on the plants.
Fertilization
Tepary beans are light feeders and do not require much fertilization. Incorporating aged manure or compost into the soil before planting provides the necessary nutrients. If the plants appear to be struggling, a balanced fertilizer can be applied in small amounts.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Tepary beans. However, removing dead or diseased branches can help improve plant health. As the plant matures, it may become top-heavy and require staking to prevent the stem from breaking under the weight of the beans.
Propagation of Phaseolus acutifolius Gray var. tenuifolius Gray
Phaseolus acutifolius Gray var. tenuifolius Gray, also known as Tepary bean, can be propagated through different methods. The most common ones are:
Seed propagation
Seeds are the easiest and most common way to propagate Tepary beans. Seeds can be collected from mature pods or purchased from a reputable supplier. Before planting, seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to promote germination. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil at a depth of 0.5 to 1 inch and keep the soil moist. The germination period is typically between 7 and 10 days.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is also possible but less common. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants, ensuring that each cutting is at least 4 inches in length and has at least two nodes. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to create a humid environment and reduce water loss. Roots should begin to develop within 2 to 3 weeks.
Division
Propagation through division involves digging up an established plant and dividing the root system into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and at least one stem. The divided plants can then be replanted in well-draining soil and kept moist until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus acutifolius Gray var. tenuifolius Gray
Phaseolus acutifolius Gray var. tenuifolius Gray, commonly known as tepary beans, is a hardy crop that is native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. While this plant is tolerant of drought and other environmental stresses, it is not immune to disease and pest problems. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect tepary beans and some suggested ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods of beans. It can spread rapidly and cause yield loss if not managed properly. To prevent anthracnose, plant disease-resistant varieties, sanitize tools and equipment before and after each use, and avoid planting in wet or humid conditions. Fungicides can be used to control anthracnose, but they should be applied early in the growing season before the disease becomes established.
Rust is a fungal disease that appears as reddish-brown or yellowish-orange spots on leaves, stems, and pods. It can cause premature defoliation and yield loss if not managed properly. To prevent rust, plant disease-resistant varieties, avoid planting in areas with a history of rust, and keep the area around the plants free of debris. Fungicides can be used to control rust, but they should be applied early in the growing season before the disease becomes established.
Mosaic virus is a viral disease that causes yellowing and mottling of the leaves, stunting of the plant, and reduced yields. There is no cure for mosaic virus, so the best management strategy is to prevent infection in the first place. Plant disease-free seeds, sanitize tools and equipment before and after each use, and control aphid populations, which can spread the virus from plant to plant.
Pests
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of plants, including tepary beans. They can cause stunted growth, wilting, and reduced yields. To manage aphids, use reflective mulch or row covers to deter them, encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and use insecticidal soap if necessary.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap and can cause stippling, yellowing, and leaf drop. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can be difficult to control once established. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plants, use reflective mulch or row covers to deter them, encourage natural predators like predatory mites, and use horticultural oil if necessary.
Bean weevils are small beetles that feed on beans and can cause reduced yields and bean damage. They are most active in the early stages of plant development. To manage bean weevils, plant disease-free seeds, rotate crops, and use insecticidal dust if necessary.
By implementing some of these disease and pest management strategies, growers can help ensure a healthy crop of Phaseolus acutifolius Gray var. tenuifolius Gray and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
