Overview of Phaseolus aureus Roxb.
Phaseolus aureus Roxb., also known as mung bean, is a plant species in the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, South-East Asia, and China. It is cultivated worldwide and is used in various traditional medicines and cuisines.
Common Names
Mung bean is known by many common names such as green gram, golden gram, moong bean, and mash bean.
Uses of Phaseolus aureus Roxb.
Mung bean is a versatile crop that has several uses. It is a source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and dietary fiber. It is commonly used in traditional medicines to treat a variety of conditions such as fever, indigestion, and inflammation. In traditional cuisines, it is used to make soups, curries, salads, and sprouts. Mung bean sprouts are a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine and are used in salads and stir-fries. The plant is also used as a green manure crop to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion.
General Appearance of Phaseolus aureus Roxb.
Phaseolus aureus Roxb. is an annual vine that grows up to 1 meter in height. It has trifoliate leaves that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The flowers are yellow or greenish-white, and the fruits are small, oblong, and green. The seeds are small and cylindrical, with a green or yellowish coat.
Light Requirements
Phaseolus aureus Roxb. is a photophilic plant that requires a significant amount of light for optimal growth and development. Therefore, it should be planted in areas where there's ample supply of direct sunlight. Under proper lighting conditions, the plant can photosynthesize effectively, leading to better growth and yield.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm temperatures ranging between 20°C-30°C. The minimum temperature the plant can tolerate is around 10°C, while the maximum temperature is around 35°C. It's crucial to keep the plant under the optimum temperature range because it determines its growth, development, and productivity. Extreme or fluctuating temperatures can affect the plant's flowering, fruiting, and seed production.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, loamy soil that's rich in organic matter. Sandy or clay soils are not suitable for the plant's growth and development. Soil pH should be maintained between 6-8 to avoid nutrient deficiencies and toxicity. Before planting, the soil should be adequately prepared by adding fertilizers such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and other micronutrients that the plant requires.
Cultivation methods
Phaseolus aureus Roxb., also known as mung bean, is an annual plant that can grow up to 1 meter in height. It requires a warm climate and well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.
The best time to plant mung beans is during the early spring season when the soil temperature is warmer. The plant can grow in a range of soil pH levels, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5.
Mung beans should be planted 2 to 3 centimeters deep in rows that are 45 to 75 centimeters apart. The plant requires plenty of sunlight, and therefore, it should be planted in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Watering needs
Mung beans require regular watering to grow to their full potential. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and lead to stunted growth.
The amount of water needed by mung beans depends on the weather conditions. During hot and dry weather, the plant may require daily watering. In cooler weather, the plant can be watered every few days.
Fertilization
Mung beans require a moderate amount of fertilizer to grow to their full potential. Before planting, the soil should be amended with well-decomposed manure or compost to provide the necessary nutrients.
If the soil lacks nutrients, a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied. The fertilizer should be applied once before planting and again when the plant begins to flower.
Pruning
Mung beans do not require pruning, but it is recommended to remove any yellow or damaged leaves regularly. This will keep the plant healthy and prevent any diseases from spreading.
When the plant reaches a height of 20 to 30 centimeters, it may require staking to provide support. Garden twine or bamboo stakes can be used to support the plant and prevent it from falling over.
Propagation methods of Phaseolus aureus Roxb.
Propagation of Phaseolus aureus Roxb. can be achieved through various methods:
Seed propagation
The most common and widely used method of propagating Phaseolus aureus Roxb. is through seed propagation. Seeds should be obtained from healthy plants and stored under suitable conditions. The seeds should be planted in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. It is best to plant the seeds during early summer or spring.
Cuttings
Propagation of Phaseolus aureus Roxb. can also be done using cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during spring, and they should be around 10 to 15 cm long with at least three nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be kept moist at all times until the cuttings have established roots.
Air layering
Air layering is another viable method of propagating Phaseolus aureus Roxb. In air layering, a branch of the plant is wounded, and the wound is covered with moist soil, sphagnum moss, or coir. Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut and planted in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is a modern method of propagating Phaseolus aureus Roxb. This method involves taking a small piece of the plant tissue and growing it in a nutrient-rich medium in a laboratory. The new plants produced through tissue culture can be transplanted to the soil once they have formed roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus aureus Roxb.
Phaseolus aureus Roxb. is prone to various diseases and pests that can cause considerable damage to the plant. Therefore, disease and pest management are vital to ensure a healthy crop and maximize profits. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. It causes sunken lesions on the pods, which can lead to rotting and decay. To manage this disease, crop rotation, the use of resistant varieties, and fungicides can be employed.
2. Halo Blight: This bacterial disease affects the leaves of the plant. It causes water-soaked lesions, which turn yellow and then brown. To manage this disease, the use of resistant varieties and copper-based bactericides can be employed.
3. Rust: This fungal disease affects the leaves of the plant. It causes small, yellow-orange pustules on the undersides of the leaves. To manage rust, the use of resistant varieties and fungicides can be employed.
Common Pests
1. Whiteflies: These small, flying insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. To manage whiteflies, sticky traps, insecticides, and the use of beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can be employed.
2. Aphids: These pear-shaped insects also suck the sap from the leaves, causing deformities and stunted growth. To manage aphids, insecticides, the use of beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, and the application of soapy water can be employed.
3. Spider Mites: These minuscule pests feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. To manage spider mites, the use of insecticidal soap, predatory mites, and beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can be employed.
By employing these disease and pest management strategies, growers can maximize the yield and profits of their Phaseolus aureus Roxb. crops while minimizing the risks associated with disease and pest outbreaks.
