Overview of Phaseolus atropurpureus DC.
Phaseolus atropurpureus DC., commonly known as the purple kidney bean or Jamaican scarlet runner bean, is a leguminous plant that is part of the Phaseolus genus. It is believed to have originated from Central America and has spread throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
General Appearance
The purple kidney bean plant is a vine that can grow up to 10 meters long. The leaves are composed of three to five leaflets with a heart-shaped base, and the flowers are reddish-purple and grow in clusters. The seed pods, which contain the kidney-shaped beans, are about 10-15 cm long and can be light green, purple, or black.
Common Uses
Purple kidney beans are a staple food in many Central and South American countries and are also popular in the Caribbean. They are used in a variety of dishes, including stews, soups, and salads. The beans are a good source of protein, dietary fiber, and various nutrients, such as iron and folate.
Aside from its edible uses, the purple kidney bean has also been used for medicinal purposes. In traditional medicine, the plant is thought to have diuretic, laxative, and anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate various health conditions, such as urinary tract infections, constipation, and joint pain.
Additionally, the plant is used for ornamental purposes due to its vibrant, eye-catching flowers, and is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Growth Conditions for Phaseolus atropurpureus DC.
Phaseolus atropurpureus DC., commonly known as the purple bean, is a tropical legume that is primarily grown for its edible seeds. This plant requires specific growth conditions to thrive and produce a healthy harvest. Below are some of the key growth conditions required for Phaseolus atropurpureus DC.:
Light Requirements
Phaseolus atropurpureus DC. requires full sunlight to grow properly. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Inadequate sunlight can lead to poor plant growth and reduced seed production. If the plant is grown in an area with less sunlight, it is likely to develop elongated stems and fewer leaves.
Soil Requirements
The purple bean grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0-6.8. This plant is sensitive to soil acidity and alkalinity. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline can cause the plant's leaves to turn yellow and stunt its growth. Additionally, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Temperature Requirements
Phaseolus atropurpureus DC. is a warm-weather crop that requires higher temperatures between 20-30°C for optimal growth. The plant does not tolerate frost or cold temperatures and grows best when the temperature is above 15°C. Extremely high temperatures or heat waves can cause the plant's leaves to wilt and fall off.
Water Requirements
The purple bean requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture levels. The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the moisture level of the soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the plant to develop root rot, while under-watering can affect the growth of the plant and lead to poor seed production.
Fertilizer Requirements
Phaseolus atropurpureus DC. benefits from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. The plant requires high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus for proper growth and seed production. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers can be applied during the vegetative stage, while phosphorus-rich fertilizers are needed during the flowering and fruiting stages.
Overall, providing the proper growth conditions for Phaseolus atropurpureus DC. such as proper light, soil, temperature, water, and fertilizer can lead to healthy plant growth and ensure a bountiful harvest.
Cultivation Methods:
The Phaseolus atropurpureus DC., commonly known as the Red bean, requires a warm and humid environment. It is best cultivated in well-drained soil or raised beds with a pH range between 6.0-6.5. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and 10-15 cm apart. The plant needs full sunlight exposure, and the area selected for planting should not have any shading during the day.
Watering Needs:
The red bean requires moderate watering during its growing period. It is essential to keep the soil moist without causing waterlogging or drying out completely. The frequency of watering can be increased during the hot season, but care should be taken to avoid water stagnation. An ideal way to ensure proper watering is to use drip irrigation.
Fertilization:
The red bean requires adequate nutrients to achieve healthy growth and high yields. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 or 14:14:14 should be applied during planting. A second application of Nitrogen-rich fertilizer is required during vegetative growth and before flowering to provide the necessary nutrients for growth.
Pruning:
Red beans are climbing plants and require adequate support for growth. The plants should be trained to climb on poles or trellises to prevent entanglement and damage. Low growth buds and weak stems should be pruned to encourage plant growth and high yields. Pruning should be done before the flowering stage to prevent loss of flowers and reduce the risk of disease or pests.
Propagation of Phaseolus atropurpureus DC.
Phaseolus atropurpureus DC., commonly known as the purple bean or hyacinth bean, is a perennial legume plant found in tropical and subtropical regions. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common method of propagation for Phaseolus atropurpureus DC. is through seeds. Seeds must be harvested when the pods have matured and the beans have turned dark purple. Once harvested, they can be soaked in water for 12-24 hours to soften the seed coat and promote germination. The seeds can then be planted in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5, at a depth of 2-3 cm. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which can take 6-12 days.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation of Phaseolus atropurpureus DC. can also be done through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the active growing season. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should contain at least one node. The leaves at the bottom of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be allowed to dry for a few hours. Once dried, the cutting can be planted in a pot filled with well-draining soil and kept in a warm, humid location. The soil should be kept moist, and roots will begin to form in 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is also a viable method for Phaseolus atropurpureus DC. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, each with their own roots and leaves. This can be done during the active growing season when the plant is producing new shoots. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the clumps should be divided with a sharp knife or garden fork. Each divided section should be planted immediately in a pot filled with well-draining soil and kept in a warm, humid location.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus atropurpureus DC.
Phaseolus atropurpureus DC. commonly known as the purple bean or Angola bean, is a legume grown for its edible seeds. As with any crop, it is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can damage the plant and diminish yields. Proper disease and pest management practices are essential to maximize crop production.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases affecting Phaseolus atropurpureus DC. are bacterial blight, anthracnose, and rust.
Bacterial Blight: This disease is caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli and is characterized by the appearance of water-soaked lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods. The disease can be managed by planting resistant varieties, practicing crop rotation, and applying copper-based fungicides.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease is caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and is characterized by the appearance of circular lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods. The disease can be managed by planting resistant varieties, practicing crop rotation, and applying fungicides.
Rust: This fungal disease is caused by Uromyces appendiculatus and is characterized by the appearance of orange-brown pustules on the leaves, stems, and pods. The disease can be managed by planting resistant varieties, practicing crop rotation, and applying fungicides.
Common Pests
The most common pests affecting Phaseolus atropurpureus DC. are spider mites, aphids, and bean fly.
Spider Mites: These pests feed on the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. The pest can be managed by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids: These pests suck the sap from the plant and transmit viruses that can cause stunting and yellowing. The pest can be managed by planting companion plants like marigold, spraying the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap, or introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
Bean Fly: These pests lay their eggs on the soil near the base of the plant, causing the seedlings to wilt and die. The pest can be managed by practicing crop rotation, removing plant debris after harvest, and applying insecticides like pyrethrum.
