Origin
Phaseolus lunatus L. var. limenanus, commonly known as Lima Bean, is a legume plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is believed to have originated from Central America and parts of South America, specifically Peru.
Common Names
Lima beans are known by several names depending on the region they are grown in. Some of the most common names include butter beans, Madagascar beans, Rangoon beans, Burma beans, sieve beans, and Java beans, among others.
Uses
Lima beans are an important food crop in many countries throughout the world. They are a rich source of protein, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium. Lima beans are typically consumed boiled, steamed, or fried and can be used in a variety of dishes such as stews, soups, salads, and casseroles. They can also be mashed or pureed and used as a vegetable spread.
General Appearance
The Lima Bean plant is a large, bushy plant that can grow up to 3 meters in height. The leaves are heart-shaped with a light green color and can grow up to 15 centimeters in length. The flowers are white or pale yellow and have purple or brown markings on them. The pods are flat, oblong, and have a green color when fresh. When mature, the pods turn yellow or beige and can measure up to 12 centimeters in length. Inside the pods, there are small kidney-shaped seeds that are usually white or cream-colored.
Light Requirements
Phaseolus lunatus var. limenanus grows best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The plant requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce optimal yields. However, it can also tolerate some shade and can be grown under tree canopies or other light-filtering structures.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Phaseolus lunatus var. limenanus growth is between 18°C to 27°C. The plant is sensitive to frost and requires warm soil temperatures for germination. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil once the soil temperature reaches a minimum of 15°C. The plant can also tolerate high temperatures and is drought-resistant, making it suitable for cultivation in arid regions.
Soil Requirements
Phaseolus lunatus var. limenanus prefers well-draining, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil must be free from hardpan or compacted layers that hinder root growth. The plant also tolerates saline soils but may require additional irrigation in such conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Phaseolus lunatus L. var. limenanus (L.H.Bailey) Burkart, commonly known as Lima bean, is a warm-season crop that is grown for its edible beans. It is mainly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. To cultivate Lima beans successfully, you need to follow these important tips: 1. Site Selection: Choose a location that offers full sunlight exposure and well-draining soil. Lima beans prefer a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. 2. Planting: Plant Lima bean seeds directly into the soil about 1 inch deep, two to four weeks after the last spring frost date, when the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. Space the seeds 3-4 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart. 3. Watering: Water regularly, especially during the flowering period, to prevent the soil from drying out. The soil should be moist but not saturated, and avoid overhead watering because Lima bean plants are susceptible to fungal diseases. 4. Mulching: Mulch around the plants to conserve soil moisture, control weeds, and offer the plant roots a cooler environment.Watering Needs
Watering is a crucial factor when it comes to the cultivation of Phaseolus lunatus L. var. limenanus (L.H.Bailey) Burkart, or Lima beans. Here is what you need to know about watering requirements: 1. Consistency: Lima beans require consistent soil moisture to grow and develop to their full potential. This means you should avoid letting the soil dry out completely, which could stress the plant and reduce your yield. 2. Frequency: Water your Lima bean plants regularly, and deeply, at least twice a week, especially during long, dry periods. However, don't overwater since excess water in the soil might lead to root rot. 3. Watering Time: Watering in the morning is an excellent strategy since it allows the leaves to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal infections.Fertilization
Fertilization plays a vital role in the cultivation of Lima beans. By following these fertilization tips, you can achieve a healthy and productive Lima bean crop: 1. Timing: Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting the Lima bean seeds and again after the plants have begun to flower. 2. Nitrogen: Lima beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, so they don't require excessive amounts of nitrogen. However, applying a small amount of nitrogen early in the season may promote bigger leaf growth and stronger stems. 3. Phosphorus and Potassium: Apply a fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus and potassium to encourage robust root development. 4. Organic Matter: To increase the soil fertility and improve the soil structure, add organic compost or manure to the soil.Pruning
Pruning the Lima beans is not entirely necessary, but removing some parts of the plant might improve the plant's overall performance. Here are some tips on how to prune Lima beans: 1. Topping: Topping is the removal of the growing tip, usually when the plant reaches one or two feet tall. By topping, you encourage the plant to divert its energy to the production of bean pods, resulting in higher yields. 2. Trimming: Trimming the lower leaves and branches can open up airflow and promote better light penetration to the lower part of the plant. 3. Pest Control: Removing affected leaves and stems will also help control the spread of pests and diseases that may reduce your yield.Propagation of Phaseolus lunatus L. var. limenanus (L.H.Bailey) Burkart
Phaseolus lunatus L. var. limenanus (L.H.Bailey) Burkart can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and grafting. However, the most common method is seed propagation, which is the focus of this discussion.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most reliable method for propagating Phaseolus lunatus L. var. limenanus (L.H.Bailey) Burkart. The seeds can be directly sown in the ground during the rainy season, or in trays or pots during the drier months.
The seeds should be soaked overnight to soften the seed coat. This will speed up the germination process by allowing water to penetrate the seed. After soaking, the seeds can be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and covered with soil.
It is recommended to use well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5-6.5. The seedlings should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and should receive full sun to partial shade.
Germination should occur within 7 to 14 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted into their permanent location after 3-4 weeks. The recommended spacing is 30x30 cm between plants.
Seed propagation is cost-effective and allows for the selection of desirable characteristics in the next generation of plants. It also ensures genetic diversity, which is essential for the long-term viability of the plant species.
Disease Management
Phaseolus lunatus L. var. limenanus is susceptible to several diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. Practicing good cultural practices can help prevent many of these diseases from occurring. One common disease that affects the plant is anthracnose, caused by the fungi Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Symptoms of anthracnose include small, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and pods, which may eventually turn brown and dry up. The disease can be managed by planting resistant varieties, practicing crop rotation, and using fungicides.
Another disease that can affect the plant is Fusarium wilt, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Symptoms of Fusarium wilt include wilting, yellowing, and stunting of the plant. To manage Fusarium wilt, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing and destroying infected plants and crop debris. Additionally, using resistant varieties and applying fungicides can help control the disease.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can cause damage to Phaseolus lunatus L. var. limenanus. One of the most common pests is the bean beetle, which belongs to the family Chrysomelidae. The bean beetle feeds on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant, causing significant defoliation and damage. To manage the bean beetle, it is important to monitor the plants regularly and handpick the beetles or use insecticides if necessary.
Another pest that can affect the plant is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the undersides of plant leaves by piercing the cells and sucking out the contents. They can cause significant damage to the plant, including stunted growth and leaf yellowing. To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain healthy plant vigor, avoid dusty conditions, and apply insecticides if necessary.
