Origin and Common Names
Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey, also known as the Sieva bean, is a type of lima bean that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to Central and South America and was first cultivated by the Mayans over 7,000 years ago. Sieva beans are now grown worldwide, including in North America, Africa, and Europe.General Appearance
The Sieva bean plant is a climbing and trailing vine that can grow up to six feet in length. The leaves are green, smooth, and heart-shaped with a length of around 5-10 cm. The flowers of the Sieva bean plant are small, white, and fragrant, with a length of around 2-3 cm. The Sieva bean is a small, flat, and cream-colored bean that is around one centimeter in length. The pod is green and flat, with a length of around five to ten cm. The Sieva bean plant has a rapid growth rate and matures in around 60-90 days.Uses
The Sieva bean is a versatile crop that has many uses. The most common use of the Sieva bean is as a food crop. The beans are a rich source of protein, iron, fiber, and other essential nutrients. They can be eaten fresh or dried, and are commonly used in soups, stews, and casseroles. Sieva beans are also used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments. The beans are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and are used to relieve arthritis pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing. In addition to their nutritional and medicinal uses, Sieva beans have industrial applications. The beans can be used to produce biodiesel, and the high-protein by-products are used as animal feed. In conclusion, the Sieva bean is a highly versatile and valuable crop that has been cultivated for over 7,000 years. With its numerous applications and nutrient-rich properties, it is easy to see why the Sieva bean remains a popular crop around the world.Growth Conditions for Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey
Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey, commonly referred to as the Lima bean, is a warm-season legume that requires adequate heat and moisture to thrive. It is an annual plant that grows quickly and reaches maturity within 70 to 80 days after planting.
Light Requirements
Lima beans require full sun exposure to grow healthily. The plant needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, and any shade can reduce the plant's growth rate and productivity. Gardeners should ensure plants are not planted near other tall plants that may cast a shadow over them.
Temperature Requirements
The Lima bean requires a warm environment to grow properly. The optimum temperature for Lima bean growth is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold temperatures can cause the plant's growth to slow down, and frost can kill the bean plant. Soil temperatures should be above 60 degrees Fahrenheit before planting Lima beans to ensure plants have optimal growing conditions.
Soil Requirements
The Lima bean performs best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. Ensure the soil is adequately fertilized and rich in nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium for productivity. Avoid over-fertilizing the bean plant, as it causes fewer bean pods to develop, resulting in stunted plant growth. The soil should also be moist, but not waterlogged, as waterlogged soils can lead to root rot and cause fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods for Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey
Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey, commonly known as lima beans, can be cultivated in both open fields and containers. It is an annual plant that requires a warm climate and about 80 to 100 frost-free days to thrive. It does well in loamy soil that is well-drained and has a pH between 6.5 to 7.0. Lima beans do not tolerate heavy soil, so adding organic matter to the soil can help increase soil drainage.
When planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds, crusting, or compaction. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1 to 1.5 inches in rows spaced 24 to 30 inches apart. After planting, maintain an even moisture level. Too much water can lead to seed rot, and too little water can affect the germination rate. After 7 to 10 days, germination should occur.
Watering Needs for Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey
Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey requires consistent watering for optimal growth. Lima beans should be watered about 1 to 2 inches per week, depending on the weather, plant size, and soil type. Watering should be done deeply, so the roots reach down to the soil's lower layers. Avoid watering the leaves or overhead irrigation, as this can cause fungal diseases.
During the dry season, consider setting up a drip irrigation system to conserve water, control water usage, and promote healthier plants. Mulching can also help retain moisture and suppress weed growth around the plant root's zone.
Fertilization for Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey
Fertilization plays a vital role in the production of Lima beans. Before planting, add 2 to 3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. During the growing season, apply a complete fertilizer blend that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a ratio of 2:1:2. After the plants begin flowering, side-dress the plants with nitrogen-rich fertilizer to improve bean yields. Be mindful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause excessive vegetative growth, reduced yields, and poor pod set.
Pruning for Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey
Pruning lima beans is not mandatory, but it can help promote better airflow, reduce plant diseases, and improve yields. Pruning lima beans involves removing the lateral shoots that grow from the plant's base and the bottom two or three nodes of the plant's main stem. This helps concentrate the plant's energy on the upper part of the plant, which is where the pods and flowers are most prevalent.
When pruning, use clean, sharp garden shears to avoid damaging the plant. Only prune once the plant has grown six or more leaves and is over 30cm tall. Do not prune beyond the upper leaves of the plant.
Propagation of Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey
Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey, commonly known as lima bean, is a warm-season crop that is native to Central and South America. Propagation is the process of producing new plants from existing ones. There are several methods of propagating lima beans, including:
Direct seeding
Direct seeding is the most common propagation method for lima beans. In this method, lima bean seeds are sown directly into the soil. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1 to 2 inches, and the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Direct seeding is usually done in the spring after the last frost date, when the soil has warmed up.
Transplanting
Transplanting is another propagation method for lima beans. In this method, lima bean seedlings are grown indoors or in a greenhouse and then transplanted into the soil. Seedlings should be transplanted after the last frost date and when they have developed at least two sets of leaves. When transplanting, it is important to disturb the roots as little as possible to avoid damaging them. Transplant shock can be minimized by watering the seedlings well after they have been transplanted.
Cutting
Cutting is a propagation method that involves taking a cutting from an existing plant and rooting it in soil. Lima beans are not commonly propagated by this method, but it is possible. To take a cutting, select a healthy stem that is at least 4 inches long and has several leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a small container filled with soilless potting mix and keep it in a warm, moist place until it develops roots.
Division
Division is a propagation method that is used to produce new plants from existing clumps. Lima beans are not commonly propagated by this method, but it is possible. To divide a plant, carefully remove it from the soil and separate the clumps into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots. Replant the sections in the soil and water well.
Overall, direct seeding and transplanting are the most common propagation methods for Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey. Cuttings and division are not commonly used but can be effective in certain situations.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey
Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey, commonly known as Lima beans, is a popular crop cultivated worldwide for its nutritional value and versatility. Just like any other crop, Lima beans are also susceptible to various diseases and pests that can hinder their growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Bean Pod Mottle Virus
Bean Pod Mottle Virus (BPMV) is a viral disease that is transmitted through the seeds and soil. The symptoms of BPMV include mottled leaves, stunted growth, and a reduction in yield. To manage BPMV, it is recommended to use disease-free seeds, practice crop rotation, and control weeds that may carry the virus.
Rhizoctonia Root and Crown Rot
Rhizoctonia Root and Crown Rot is a fungal disease that affects the root and stem of the Lima beans. The symptoms of the disease include wilting, yellowing, and a decline in plant vigor. To manage Rhizoctonia Root and Crown Rot, it is recommended to practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering the plants.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that attacks Lima bean pods, causing them to become discolored and sunken. To manage Anthracnose, it is recommended to use disease-resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, and apply fungicides.
Pests
Spider Mites
Spider mites are common pests that attack Lima beans, causing the leaves to become discolored and dry. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to use a strong stream of water to wash them off the plants, apply insecticidal soaps or oils, and practice good crop hygiene.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap out of the Lima bean plants, causing them to become stunted and discolored. To manage aphids, it is recommended to use a strong stream of water to wash them off the plants, apply insecticidal soap or oils, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
Cutworms
Cutworms are nocturnal pests that feed on the base of Lima bean plants, causing them to wilt and eventually die. To manage cutworms, it is recommended to use physical barriers such as collars around the base of the plants, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) pesticide, and practice crop rotation.
By practicing good disease and pest management techniques, the productivity and yield of Phaseolus lunatus L. var. lunonanus Bailey can be greatly increased.
