Plant Description: Phaseolus Atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC.
Phaseolus atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC. is a species of plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae, also known as the legume family. This plant is commonly known as the Purple Tepary Bean, the Ayocote Morado Bean, the Runner Bean, or the Purple Runner Bean. It is native to Mexico and Central America, but it is cultivated in many other parts of the world for its culinary and medicinal properties.
General Appearance:
Phaseolus atropurpureus is a climbing shrub that can grow up to 6 metres long. It has a vining habit and produces beautiful purple flowers that develop into long, slender pods that contain the seeds. The leaves are ovate and trifoliate and have a dark green coloration.
The seeds of this plant are small, flattened, and kidney-shaped, with a diameter of about 5 mm. They have a dark purple color when mature and can be eaten cooked or dried. The roots of the plant are shallow and fibrous, and they help the plant to climb and anchor itself to other plants or structures.
Uses:
Phaseolus atropurpureus has many uses, both culinary and medicinal. In Mexico and Central America, it is commonly used in traditional dishes such as stews, soups, and salads. The seeds can be boiled, baked, or fried. They can also be ground into flour to make tortillas or other baked goods.
This plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The seeds are believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. They are used to treat diabetes, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections. The roots and leaves of the plant are also used in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases, fever, and respiratory problems.
Overall, Phaseolus atropurpureus is a valuable plant that has many practical applications. Whether used for food or medicine, this plant offers a myriad of benefits to those who seek to harness its potential.
Light Requirements
Phaseolus atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC. requires full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Without sufficient sunlight, the plant may develop weak stems, droopy leaves, and poor fruiting.
Temperature Requirements
Phaseolus atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC. thrives in warm weather conditions. The plant requires a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) to germinate and grow. The optimum temperature range for its growth is between 19°C (66°F) to 30°C (86°F). If the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F), it can stop growing and be susceptible to fungal diseases.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires a well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The addition of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can improve the soil's quality and increase the plant's yield. The soil must also retain moisture but not become waterlogged. It's advisable to avoid soil compaction, which can hinder the plant's root growth and reduce its yield.
Cultivation Methods for Phaseolus atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC.
Phaseolus atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC. is a climbing plant that requires some support to grow and mature. You can grow the plant by planting its seeds directly into the soil or by starting the seeds indoors, then transplanting them once they reach a certain size.
If you choose to plant the seeds directly into the soil, make sure that the soil is well-drained, fertile, and has a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The seeds should be planted about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. After planting, keep the soil moist until the seedlings germinate.
If you start the seeds indoors, you can use a seedling tray and fill it with a potting mix. Make sure to keep the soil moist, and once the seedlings are about 3 inches tall, you can transplant them outside into the soil.
Watering Needs for Phaseolus atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC.
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. However, the soil should not be waterlogged or swampy. It is advisable to water the plant in the morning or evening, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering.
The watering requirements also depend on the climate and the amount of rainfall. In case there is sufficient rainfall, supplemental watering might not be necessary. If the plant experiences drought conditions, it might be necessary to water it more often.
Fertilization of Phaseolus atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC.
The plant requires regular fertilization to grow and mature properly. You can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. The fertilizer should be rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and you can use an organic fertilizer or a chemical fertilizer.
You can also apply a foliar spray to provide additional nutrients to the plant. The foliar spray can contain a micronutrient mix that includes iron, zinc, and manganese.
Pruning of Phaseolus atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC.
The plant does not require extensive pruning, but you can trim the shoots that grow too long or prevent the plant from growing in a specific direction. You can also remove the dead or diseased shoots to promote new growth.
If you want to control the size of the plant, you can prune it during the early stages of its growth by removing the extra shoots and allowing only the central stem to grow. This process is called pinching and is typically done when the plant is about 6-8 inches tall.
Propagation of Phaseolus atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC.
The plant Phaseolus atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC. can be propagated by three main methods: seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common and easiest propagation method for Phaseolus atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC. is by seeds. The seeds should be harvested from mature plants and soaked in water overnight to soften the seed coat. After soaking, the seeds can be sown in trays or pots with well-draining soil. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil, and the trays or pots should be placed in a warm, sunny spot and kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Phaseolus atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be at least 4 inches long with several leaves. The bottom of the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone, and then planted in well-draining soil. The cutting should be kept moist and placed in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Once roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or outside garden bed.
Propagation by Division
Division is a propagation method that involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This method is best used for mature plants that have become too large or crowded. The plant should be carefully dug up and divided into sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system. Each section can then be replanted into a new pot or garden bed with well-draining soil. It is essential to keep the newly divided plants watered and protected from direct sunlight until they establish new roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus atropurpureus Moc. & Sessé ex DC.
Phaseolus atropurpureus, also known as the purple bean, is a plant species that is prone to several diseases and pests. To ensure a successful harvest, it is essential to identify and manage diseases and pests promptly. Here are the common disease and pest management methods for Phaseolus atropurpureus.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This disease is a fungal infection that causes small dark spots on leaves and stems. As the disease progresses, the spots become sunken and enlarge, leading to defoliation. To manage anthracnose, use fungicides that target the disease-causing pathogen, maintain proper air circulation, and sanitation practices.
Angular Leaf Spot: Another fungal infection, angular leaf spot causes angular-shaped lesions on leaves and pods. The disease can cause yield loss if not managed. To control Angular Leaf Spot, remove infected plants, avoid overhead watering, and use copper-based fungicides.
Rust: Rusts appear as reddish-brown, raised structures on the underside of leaves. Eventually, the leaves will drop off. To manage rust, remove infected plants, maintain proper soil moisture and apply fungicides that specifically target rust.
Common Pests
Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the underside of leaves, causing yellowing. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap, maintain proper air circulation, and remove infected plants.
Bean Leaf Beetle: These insects feed on leaves and stems, causing leaf loss and stunted growth. To control bean leaf beetle, use insecticides or neem oil and remove infected plants.
Cutworms: Cutworms are larvae that cut through stems at the base of seedlings. To control cutworms, use insecticides that target larvae. Cutworms can also be trapped using cardboard collars placed around seedlings.
By implementing these disease and pest management methods, farmers can successfully grow Phaseolus atropurpureus and achieve a bountiful harvest.
