Overview:
Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey. is a leguminous plant species found in Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. It has a variety of common names such as the Kalahari bean, Kudu bean, or Sand bean.
Appearance:
The plant is a vine that grows up to 2 meters in length. Its leaves are trifoliate with small oval-shaped leaflets that have pointed tips and smooth edges. It produces small white or pink flowers that grow in clusters and are followed by elongated pods. The pods are around 12 cm long, cylindrical in shape, and green in color when young, maturing into a yellowish-brown color.
Uses:
The Phaseolus adenanthus plant has various uses across its native range. The leaves are used as fodder for livestock, and the seeds, although small, are rich in protein and nutrients and can be consumed by humans. The beans can also be used as a coffee substitute. Additionally, traditional medicine uses the plant extract as a remedy for colds, flu, and other ailments.
Moreover, the Phaseolus adenanthus plant can fix nitrogen into the soil, making it an important part of crop rotation.
In conclusion, the Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey. is a versatile and useful plant that plays an important role in the ecology and economy of southern Africa.Light Requirements
Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey. typically requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. Plants grown in partial shading tend to have lower yields and poorer quality produce. Therefore, it is essential to provide these plants with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey. is between 18 to 24°C. Temperatures lower than this range can cause stunted growth, while temperatures higher than this range can lead to decreased crop yield and poor quality produce. Additionally, these plants are sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey. are moderately acidic to neutral soils, with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. The soil should also be well-drained and rich in organic matter. These plants prefer loamy soils but can also grow well in sandy or clay soils. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation methods
Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey. is a climbing plant that requires a trellis or other vertical support to grow properly. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and full sun exposure. The best time to plant the seeds is after the last frost of the season. The seeds should be sown 1-2 inches deep and spaced 2-3 inches apart. The seedlings need to be thinned to 6-8 inches apart to provide enough space for growth.
Watering needs
Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey. requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. The plant should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It is advisable to water the plant early in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day and prevent fungal growth.
Fertilization
Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey. requires regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and high yields. Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) once every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing the plant when the soil is dry, as it can burn the roots.
Pruning
Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey. requires minimal pruning. However, you should remove any dead or diseased foliage as soon as you notice it to prevent the spread of disease. You can also pinch back the tips of the vines if they start to grow too long or if the plant becomes too bushy.
Propagation of Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey.
Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey., also known as the velvet bean or wild bean, can be propagated through different methods:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating P. adenanthus is through seed germination. The seeds can be directly sown into well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, at a depth of 2 to 3 cm. The best time to sow the seeds is during the rainy season. It takes about 10 to 14 days for the seeds to germinate, and they will generally reach maturity in 90 to 100 days.
Cuttings
Propagating P. adenanthus through cuttings is possible, but it is less common. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be approximately 10 to 15 cm in length. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until signs of new growth appear.
Root division
Phaseolus adenanthus can also be propagated through root division. This is done by removing a portion of the plant's root system and planting it in a new location. It is important to ensure that the new planting location has the same soil type, pH, and moisture level as the original plant's location.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to provide P. adenanthus with adequate water, sunlight, and nutrients to ensure healthy growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey.
Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey., commonly known as the Amula bean or Tepary bean, is a resilient and drought-tolerant plant. However, it is still susceptible to a few diseases and pests that could potentially harm the crop yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Phaseolus adenanthus and ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown or black irregularly shaped lesions on the leaves, stem, and pods of the plant. The disease can cause the leaves to curl, drop prematurely, and the pods may rot before maturity. To manage Anthracnose:
- Plant disease-resistant varieties of Amula beans
- Practice crop rotation, and avoid planting in the same location consecutively
- Use copper-based fungicides on infected plants
- Remove and destroy plants that show severe infection
2. Fusarium wilt: Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that causes the wilting of the leaves and stunted growth of the plant. The fungus blocks the water-carrying vessels, causing the leaves and stems to turn brown and die off. To manage Fusarium wilt:
- Plant disease-resistant varieties of Amula beans
- Avoid planting in soil that has previously been infected by the fungus
- Practice crop rotation, and avoid planting in the same location consecutively
- Use soil solarization to manage the fungus before planting
Pests
1. Bean beetle: The bean beetle is a small, brown beetle that feeds on the leaves and pods of the plant, causing major damage in high numbers. To manage the bean beetle:
- Handpick and remove infected plants, and remove debris regularly to prevent overwintering
- Use insecticidal soap or other natural predators to manage the pests
- Use row covers to prevent the beetles from landing on plants and laying eggs
2. Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small insects that cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow, and can transmit diseases such as bean blight. To manage Leafhoppers:
- Use yellow sticky traps to capture the insects and prevent them from laying eggs
- Use insecticidal soap or other natural predators to manage the pests
- Use row covers to prevent the leafhoppers from landing on plants and laying eggs
By implementing these prevention and management techniques, growers can protect their Phaseolus adenanthus G.F.W. Mey. plants from the most common diseases and pests that can harm crop yield.
