Overview of Phaseolus schimperi Taub.
Phaseolus schimperi Taub., also known as Schimper's bean, is a perennial climbing plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Ethiopia, East Africa, and can be found growing in lowland areas and open forests.
General Appearance
The plant has a twining habit and can reach up to 3m in height. It has pinnate leaves and produces clusters of small white or cream-colored flowers that are followed by long, slender, and cylindrical pods. The pods are about 12-15cm long and contain 6-8 seeds each.
Common Names
The plant is referred to by several common names, including Schimper's bean, Ethiopian bean, and Abyssinian bean. In Ethiopia, it is known as "Bishoftu" or "Yedero Shimbira".
Uses
Phaseolus schimperi Taub. is an important legume crop in East Africa where it is traditionally grown on a small scale for household consumption. The seeds are a good source of protein, dietary fiber, and several essential minerals, including iron and calcium. The plant is also used as a cover crop to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion in agricultural fields.
In addition to its nutritional and soil improvement benefits, Phaseolus schimperi Taub. is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as stomachaches, diarrhea, and coughs.
Overall, Phaseolus schimperi Taub. is a valuable plant in East Africa, providing both nutritional and environmental benefits to local communities.
Light Requirements
Phaseolus schimperi Taub. prefers bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to produce healthy foliage, flowers, and pods. If grown indoors, fluorescent lights or grow lights can replace natural sunlight, but the plant may still benefit from some natural light.
Temperature Needs
This plant thrives in warm temperatures between 68°F to 80°F (20°C to 27°C). It can tolerate some light frost, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures will damage the plant and may cause it to die. In extremely hot climates, partial shade during the hottest parts of the day can benefit the plant.
Soil Requirements
Phaseolus schimperi Taub. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH between 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth. The plant can grow in various types of soil, including loam, sand, and clay soil. However, the soil must be fertile and well-aerated to promote healthy root development. The addition of compost or aged manure can improve soil quality.
Cultivation of Phaseolus schimperi Taub.
Phaseolus schimperi Taub., commonly known as Ethiopian kidney bean, is a warm-weather crop that grows best in areas with temperatures ranging from 22 to 30°C. The plant prefers well-drained, loamy, fertile soil and thrives in full sunlight. The cultivation of this plant involves the following steps:
- Choose a site that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.
- Prepare the soil by loosening it with a tiller or garden fork.
- Sow the seeds at a depth of 1-2 inches, leaving a distance of 6-8 inches between each plant.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs.
Watering Needs of Phaseolus schimperi Taub.
Phaseolus schimperi Taub. requires adequate moisture to grow and produce a healthy yield. The plant needs water most during the flowering and pod development stages. The following are some guidelines for watering this plant:
- Water the plant deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Water the plant in the early morning to reduce water loss due to evaporation.
- Do not overhead water as this can lead to the development of fungal diseases.
- Monitor the soil moisture regularly to avoid overwatering or underwatering.
Fertilization of Phaseolus schimperi Taub.
Phaseolus schimperi Taub. requires adequate nutrients for optimal growth and productivity. The plant responds well to organic fertilizers such as compost and manure. The following are some guidelines for fertilizing this plant:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet.
- Apply organic fertilizers such as compost and manure at a rate of 2-3 inches per plant.
- Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of pod development.
- Apply fertilizers 2-3 times during the growing season, with the first application done at the time of planting.
Pruning of Phaseolus schimperi Taub.
Phaseolus schimperi Taub. does not require significant pruning except for removing any dead or diseased leaves. However, pinching the tips of the plant when it reaches a height of 6-8 inches can encourage bushier growth and higher yield. The following are some guidelines for pruning this plant:
- Use clean, sharp garden shears to remove dead or diseased leaves.
- If desired, pinch the tips of the plant when it reaches 6-8 inches in height.
- Do not over-prune as this can lead to stunted growth and reduced yield.
- Monitor the plant regularly for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action immediately.
Propagation of Phaseolus schimperi Taub.
Phaseolus schimperi Taub. is commonly propagated through seeds. However, there are other propagation methods as well.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Phaseolus schimperi Taub. are easily available in the market. They should be sown during the spring season in well-draining soil. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and kept in a warm place to ensure germination.
Cutting Propagation
Phaseolus schimperi Taub. can be propagated through softwood cuttings as well. Cuttings of 10-15 cm length should be taken from the tip of the stem during early summer. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture of sand and peat. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, partially shaded area and watered regularly until they develop roots.
Grafting
Grafting is a common method used for propagating Phaseolus schimperi Taub. The scion, which is the top part of the plant, is grafted onto a rootstock. The rootstock may be of a different species, but it should be compatible with the scion. This method is preferred when the desired plant is difficult to propagate through other methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus schimperi Taub.
Phaseolus schimperi Taub. is a leguminous plant that is commonly cultivated for its edible seeds. To ensure a healthy crop yield, it is important to implement appropriate disease and pest management strategies.
Common Diseases
Some of the most common diseases that affect Phaseolus schimperi Taub. are:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown lesions on leaves and stems, leading to defoliation and reduced yield. To manage this disease, farmers should avoid planting infected seeds and practice crop rotation.
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow-orange pustules on leaves and stems. It can reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize, leading to yellowing and defoliation. To manage this disease, farmers should plant resistant cultivars and remove infected plant debris.
- Mosaic Virus: This virus causes deformed leaves, discolored veins, and reduced yield in infected plants. Farmers should avoid planting infected seeds and control the vector of the virus, which is typically an aphid.
Common Pests
The most common pests that can infest Phaseolus schimperi Taub. are:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plants, causing stunted growth and reduced yield. Farmers can control aphids by introducing natural predators or applying insecticidal soap.
- Mites: These tiny insects cause yellowing and wilting of the plant, leading to reduced yield. Farmers can control mite infestations by applying miticides or introducing natural predators.
- Bean Fly: This pest lays eggs in the soil, and the larvae feed on the roots of the plant, leading to wilting and reduced yield. Farmers can manage this pest by applying appropriate insecticides or using crop rotation to disrupt its life cycle.
Overall, implementing appropriate disease and pest management strategies can significantly improve crop yield and promote healthy plant growth. Farmers should regularly inspect their crops for signs of diseases and pests, and take prompt action to address any issues to ensure a successful harvest.
