Description of Phaseolus marinus Burm.
Phaseolus marinus Burm is a species of leguminous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as "Sea bean," "Beach bean" or "Gorgona bean."
Origin
The plant is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador.
General Appearance
The plant can grow up to 30-40 centimeters in height, and its stem is thin and trailing in nature. The leaves are ovate in shape and have a smooth surface. The flowers of the plant are small and white, and they appear in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a long, flat pod that can reach up to 15 centimeters in length. The seed inside the pod is edible and has a bitter taste.
Uses
The plant has various uses, particularly in traditional medicine. The seeds of Phaseolus marinus Burm are utilized for their medicinal properties and are used to treat diabetes, urinary tract infections, and liver diseases. Additionally, the seeds are a source of food and nutrition for certain indigenous communities. The plant is also utilized for erosion control, as its shallow roots help to stabilize soil in sandy regions.
In conclusion, Phaseolus marinus Burm. is a leguminous plant that is native to Central and South America. Its flat pods contain edible seeds and have medicinal properties. The plant is utilized for erosion control and is also a food and nutrition source for some indigenous communities.Light Requirements
Phaseolus marinus Burm. plants require a significant amount of sunlight exposure to grow well. They should ideally be exposed to full sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. However, these plants can also grow in partially shaded areas, but the yields may not be as high.
Temperature Requirements
These plants grow best in temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. They can tolerate high temperatures up to 35°C, but growth is slowed down when temperatures exceed 30°C. The minimum temperature required for the growth of P. marinus is around 15°C, and if temperatures drop below this, the plant may not grow properly.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for the growth of P. marinus is well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. It should be rich in organic matter and have good water-holding capacity. The addition of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil can improve its fertility and structure. The soil should also be free of any pests or diseases that may affect the growth of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Phaseolus marinus Burm., commonly known as sea bean or beach bean, is a plant species adapted to grow in sandy and saline soils found along the coasts. It prefers a warm and humid environment and is highly tolerant of drought.
The first step in cultivating sea bean is to select a suitable location, preferably a sandy or loamy soil with good drainage and pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings and should be sown directly in the field, after the last frost, or transplanted from a nursery once it reaches the appropriate size.
It's essential to keep the weeds under control to avoid competition for nutrients and water. Mulching with organic matter can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Watering Needs
As mentioned earlier, sea bean is highly tolerant of drought, but like all plants, it needs water to grow and produce healthy yields. During the early stages of growth, the plant should be watered regularly to establish a strong root system. Once established, the frequency of watering can be reduced to once or twice per week, depending on the weather and soil moisture level.
It's important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to waterlogging and root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry partially before watering again.
Fertilization
To produce a healthy crop, sea beans require adequate nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. Before planting, it's recommended to conduct a soil analysis to determine the soil's nutrient deficiencies and adjust the fertilizer application accordingly.
Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 can be applied before planting, followed by side dressing with nitrogen-rich fertilizers at different stages of growth. Compost and organic matter can also be incorporated into the soil to improve soil fertility and soil structure.
Pruning
Sea bean is a vine-like plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters long and requires support for optimal growth. It's important to provide trellises or stakes to keep the plant from sprawling on the ground, which can lead to pest infestations and disease outbreaks.
Pruning should be done regularly to remove damaged, diseased, or dead parts of the plant and promote air circulation. It's also recommended to pinch off the growing tips to encourage branching and increase yield.
Propagation of Phaseolus marinus Burm.
Propagation is an important aspect of gardening. It determines the success of growing a particular plant species. In case of Phaseolus marinus Burm., various propagation methods can be employed, which includes:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Phaseolus marinus Burm. is seed propagation. Seeds should be sown in well-prepared soil with adequate drainage. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Seeds should be sown 1-2 inches deep, with a spacing of 4-6 inches apart. Germination usually occurs within one to two weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation through stem cuttings is possible, although more challenging than seed propagation. Cuttings should be taken from the plant's healthy stem, two to four inches in length, and should have at least two leaves. Cuttings should be placed in a rooting hormone and then planted in a moist soil mixture. Careful watering and fertilization will help in keeping the cuttings healthy.
Division Propagation
Division is another way of propagating Phaseolus marinus Burm. It is suitable for plants that have developed mature roots, and is ideal for dividing plants every two to three years. The process involves uprooting the plant from the soil and separating it into smaller plants. These smaller plants are then potted into well-prepared soil with adequate drainage.
Overall, the propagation of Phaseolus marinus Burm. can be achieved through various methods, enabling gardeners to enjoy the ornamental beauty and nutritional value of the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus marinus Burm.
Phaseolus marinus Burm., also known as Sea bean or Sea pearl, is a legume that grows in coastal regions and is known for its high adaptability to saline and water-logged soils. However, like any plant, it is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can damage or kill it. It is necessary to take suitable measures to prevent and manage these problems to have a healthy and productive crop.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Phaseolus marinus Burm. is root rot caused by water molds like Phytophthora and Pythium. This disease causes stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and the plant's ultimate death. Prevent root rot by improving drainage and avoiding overwatering. You can use fungicide treatment to manage this disease.
Anthracnose, a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, is another disease that affects Phaseolus marinus Burm. It causes black sunken spots on leaves and pods and can eventually destroy the plant. Use disease-resistant varieties, clean the plant debris and fallen leaves regularly, and treat with fungicide to prevent and manage this disease.
Common Pests
The most common pests that can affect Phaseolus marinus Burm. are aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests suck the sap of the plants and cause stunted growth, deformed leaves and pods, and can transmit diseases. You can use insecticidal sprays or natural predators like ladybugs to manage these pests.
Cutworms and bean beetles are other notable pests that can eat the leaves and pods of Phaseolus marinus Burm. and cause considerable damage. You can use floating row covers during the growing season to reduce the incidence of these pests. Handpicking them and using insecticidal soaps and pyrethrins can also help in management.
Other Considerations
Apart from managing diseases and pests, it is essential to take good care of the plant by keeping it adequately hydrated and fertilized. Use good cultural practices like crop rotation, regular weeding, and proper planting space. Maintaining a healthy plant is the best way to prevent and manage diseases and pests effectively.
In conclusion, Phaseolus marinus Burm. is a hardy plant, but it still needs proper disease and pest management to avoid significant losses in yield. By using the preventive measures suggested above, you can successfully manage the diseases and pests that commonly affect this plant and have a thriving crop.
