Overview:
Phaseolus polystachios (L.) B.S.P. var. polystachios, commonly known as wild bean or Man-of-the-earth, is a member of the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found in the eastern part of the United States. It has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes by Native Americans for centuries.
Description:
Wild bean is a perennial plant that grows up to 4 feet tall. It has compound leaves that consist of 3 leaflets. The plant produces small white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. Wild bean produces long, slender seed pods that are green when young and turn shades of brown and black as they mature. These seed pods contain several small brown beans.
Uses:
Wild bean has several traditional medicinal uses. Native Americans used the plant to treat skin irritations, wounds, and as a diuretic. The roots of the plant were also used to make a tea that was believed to reduce fever and ease stomach pain. Wild bean contains high levels of protein and has been used as a food source by Native Americans in times of famine.
Cultivation:
Wild bean is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant can be propagated from seeds, which can be harvested in the fall when the seed pods are fully mature. The seeds should be planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Wild bean is an excellent plant for pollinators and can attract bees and butterflies to your garden.
Light Requirements
Phaseolus polystachios var. polystachios generally requires full sun to grow properly. Ideally, it should receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight can result in poor plant growth, weak stems and leaves, and low yields.
Temperature Requirements
Phaseolus polystachios var. polystachios grows best in warm temperatures, with the optimal range being between 18°C to 28°C. Temperatures below 10°C can stunt plant growth, while excessively high temperatures above 35°C can lead to flowers dropping off. These plants do not tolerate frost, and the plant's leaves can be damaged by prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing.
Soil Requirements
Phaseolus polystachios var. polystachios prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic soils but may not perform well in alkaline soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a moderate level of nitrogen as the plant requires nitrogen for growth. If the soil is poor, it will affect the plant's growth and yields. Therefore, it is advisable to amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
Cultivation Methods
Phaseolus polystachios (L.) B.S.P. var. polystachios is grown best in warm to hot climates with consistent moisture in well-drained soil. The plant prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. It can be grown in both raised beds and containers, but the soil must be rich in organic matter. Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep in rows or hills, leaving about 3 inches of space between them. Thin the seedlings to a spacing of 6-8 inches once they have grown their first true leaves.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be done deeply at least twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Avoid overhead watering, as it can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water at the base of the plant.
Fertilization
Phaseolus polystachios (L.) B.S.P. var. polystachios requires regular fertilization to thrive. Before planting, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. Once the plant begins to grow, apply a balanced fertilizer every four weeks until it starts to bloom. After that, switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage flower and fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning the plant is not necessary, but it can help promote better growth and fruit production. Pinch off the growing tips once the plant has developed its third set of leaves to encourage lateral branching and bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged leaves, stems or flowers to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Phaseolus polystachios (L.) B.S.P. var. polystachios
Phaseolus polystachios (L.) B.S.P. var. polystachios, commonly known as northern bean, is a warm-season crop and can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Here are the two common propagation methods for this plant:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method. Phaseolus polystachios produces pods that contain seeds. The pods dry and split, releasing the seeds that can be used to propagate the plant. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting to help with germination. Plant the seeds 2 inches deep, and 4 inches apart. The seeds germinate in 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the soil temperature. The plant requires adequate watering during the germination period.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a type of asexual propagation. It involves using vegetative plant parts like stem cuttings and root division. Phaseolus polystachios does not typically propagate well vegetatively, but it can be attempted by taking 4-6 inch cuttings from the stem. Remove the bottom leaves, and plant in a pot. Place the pot in bright, indirect light, and keep the soil moist. The cutting will need warmth and humidity- you can wrap a plastic bag or place a clear plastic cup over the top to maintain humidity. The plants propagated by stem cuttings are less vigorous and take longer to mature than the ones propagated by seed.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus polystachios
Phaseolus polystachios plants are susceptible to diseases and pests. However, managing them early on can help growers yield high-quality beans for the market. Here are some common diseases and pests that growers should be aware of and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Fusarium wilt: This soil-borne fungus infects the roots of plants, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. The disease affects the plant's vascular system, disrupting water and nutrient flow to the rest of the plant. Crop rotation, fungicide application, and good field sanitation can be effective in managing this disease.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes the leaves to turn yellow and brown, and it results in the plant's premature defoliation. The disease can also cause the bean pods to rot and become covered in black spots. Copper-based fungicides, crop rotation, and field sanitation can help in managing anthracnose.
Halo blight: This bacterial disease affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. Symptoms include yellowing, wilting, and the formation of lesions. The disease can spread rapidly, especially in wet weather conditions. Copper-based fungicides and crop rotation can be used as a preventive measure for halo blight.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids suck the sap out of the plant, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. They also spread viruses and can reduce the yield of the plant. Neem oil and insecticidal soap can be used to control aphids.
Mites: Mites damage the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. Neem oil and insecticidal soap can be used to control mites.
Bean weevil: This pest damages the seeds and reduces the yield of the plant. It can also attract other pests and diseases. The best way to control bean weevils is to prevent them from laying eggs in the soil by tilling the soil before planting, using insecticide-treated seeds, and using crop rotation.
Growers should regularly monitor their fields for signs of diseases and pests and make timely decisions regarding management strategies.
