Overview:
Phaseolus cylindricus, commonly known as the African yam bean, is a legume that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical Africa and is an important crop in many parts of the continent.
General Appearance:
The African yam bean is a climbing plant that can grow up to 2-4 m in height. It has a woody stem, trifoliate leaves, and produces flowers that are either white, yellow or purple in color. The pods are cylindrical and can be up to 30 cm in length. The beans themselves are elongated, narrow and have a brown or black seed coat.
Common Names:
The African yam bean is known by various names in different regions around the world. It is commonly referred to as the Sator bean in Thailand and Burma, while in Cameroon it is called Ewa. In Nigeria, it is commonly known as “Otili”. In Ghana, it is referred to as “Dolichos” while in Uganda it is known as “Njahi”
Uses:
The African yam bean is an important source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. It is consumed in various forms including boiled, roasted, or steamed. The leaves of the African yam bean are also edible and are commonly used as a vegetable in parts of West and Central Africa. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diabetes, constipation and fertility issues.
Light Requirements:
The plant Phaseolus cylindricus L. requires plenty of sunlight to grow well. The ideal light requirement for this plant is about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. While it can tolerate some shade, it is essential to ensure that it receives enough sunlight to promote healthy growth, flower production, and pod development.
Temperature Requirements:
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Phaseolus cylindricus L. is between 18°C to 27°C. The plant is not tolerant of frost and extreme heat. Frost can damage the plant’s leaves, flowers, and pods, while very high temperatures can cause the plant to wilt and dry out. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the plant from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements:
The plant prefers well-drained and fertile soil for optimal growth. It thrives in loamy soils that have a pH range of 6 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is essential to avoid waterlogging as it can lead to root rot and cause damage to the plant. Moreover, it is advisable to mulch the soil to preserve moisture and maintain an even soil temperature.
Cultivation
The cultivation of Phaseolus cylindricus L. requires well-drained soil with a pH of around 6-7.5. The plant is best grown in warm climates with temperatures between 20-27°C. It is a climbing plant that requires support and should be planted in rows with a distance of around 30-40cm between plants. Seeds should be planted around 2-3cm deep, with two seeds per hole, and the weaker seedling can be removed after germination.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, with the soil being kept moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering depends on the local climate, but a good rule of thumb is to water the plant every 2-3 days during the growing season. During periods of drought, it is necessary to increase the amount of water given to the plant.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, it is best to fertilize the plant before planting and then approximately every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season. For the initial fertilization, it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Subsequent fertilizations should use fertilizers with a higher concentration of nitrogen.
Pruning
Phaseolus cylindricus L. requires minimal pruning, with only the removal of dead or damaged plant matter being necessary. However, it is essential to ensure that the plant is given support throughout the growing season to prevent it from falling over. Additionally, the plant's tendrils can be trained to grow in a specific direction by gently guiding them with string or plant ties.
Propagation of Phaseolus cylindricus L.
Phaseolus cylindricus L. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The seeds are the primary method of sexual propagation for Phaseolus cylindricus L. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in a pot. The ideal time to sow the seeds is during the early to mid-spring. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 2 inches and spaced about 4-6 inches apart. It is important to provide the plants with adequate water and sunlight during the germination period.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation can be achieved through cuttings and layering techniques. In the case of cuttings, a healthy stem of about 4 inches long should be cut from the parent plant. The bottom end of the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone and placed in a pot containing a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a shaded area until roots develop, and then gradually introduced to the sunlight.
Layering involves bending a low-lying stem of the parent plant and covering it with soil, leaving the tip exposed. Within a few weeks, roots should develop from the tip, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant by cutting the stem joining the two.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus cylindricus L.
Phaseolus cylindricus L., commonly called the white kidney bean, is an important legume crop that is widely grown for its edible beans. However, like other crops, it is prone to various diseases and pests that can significantly impact its yield and quality. Proper disease and pest management practices are therefore crucial for successful cultivation of the crop.
Common Diseases of Phaseolus cylindricus L.
The following are some of the most common diseases that can affect Phaseolus cylindricus L.:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and pods. The disease can significantly reduce the yield and quality of the crop. To manage anthracnose, farmers should practice crop rotation, use disease-free seeds, and apply fungicides when necessary.
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that causes water-soaked lesions on leaves, stems, and pods. The disease can cause wilting and death of the plant. To manage bacterial blight, farmers should practice good sanitation and crop rotation, use disease-free seeds, and apply copper-based bactericides when necessary.
Common Pests of Phaseolus cylindricus L.
The following are some of the most common pests that can affect Phaseolus cylindricus L.:
Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and deformation of the plant. They can also spread viruses that can further damage the crop. To manage aphids, farmers should practice crop rotation, use reflective mulches, and apply insecticides or neem-based products when necessary.
Mites
Mites are tiny, spider-like pests that can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can also create fine webbing on the affected parts. To manage mites, farmers should practice good sanitation and crop rotation, use predatory mites and insecticidal soaps, and avoid over-fertilization.
Overall, proper disease and pest management practices are crucial for successful cultivation of Phaseolus cylindricus L. Farmers should be vigilant and take appropriate measures to prevent and manage diseases and pests to ensure a healthy and productive crop.
