Introduction:
Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb. is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is widely distributed across Asia and is commonly found in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. This plant is known for its numerous medicinal and nutritional benefits and has been used in various traditional medicine systems for centuries.
Common Names:
The plant Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb. is known by different names in different regions around the world. In India, it is known as "Uthirani" in Tamil and "Chalikayi" in Kannada. In Bangladesh, it is called "Volvoi" and in Sri Lanka, it is known as "Gan-kathuru."
Appearance:
The plant Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb. has a climbing habit and can grow up to 4 meters in height. It has trifoliate leaves with elliptical leaflets that are dark green and shiny. The flowers are pink or purplish-pink in color and grow in clusters. The fruits are long pods that are 10-15 cm in length, containing several seeds. The seeds are small and oval-shaped, with a smooth texture and a light brown color.
Uses:
The plant Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb. has various medicinal and nutritional properties. It is used to treat various ailments such as constipation, diabetes, liver disorders, and skin diseases. The seeds of the plant are a rich source of protein and are used as a food supplement. They are also used in animal feed and as a source of biodiesel. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional medicine to improve lactation in nursing mothers and as a treatment for male infertility.
Light Requirements
Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb. requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It is recommended to maintain a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight and avoid partially shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature for the growth of Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb. ranges from 20°C to 30°C. This plant cannot tolerate frost or extremely cold temperatures and cannot grow in areas with temperatures below 5°C.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb. should be well-draining and rich in nutrients. The pH level of the soil should range from 6 to 7.5 suiting its growth requirements. It cannot tolerate water-logged soil and cannot grow in highly acidic or alkaline soils. The ideal soil texture is loamy and well-aerated to facilitate the growth of healthy roots.
Cultivation Methods for Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb.
Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb. is best grown in subtropical and tropical regions. It can grow in a wide range of soils, but it performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam soil. The plant needs full sunlight to thrive, but it can tolerate partial shade.
For cultivation, the seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm in rows that are 45-60 cm apart. The ideal time to plant is during the post-monsoon season. After the first true leaves appear, thin the seedlings to leave the strongest plant after every 10-15 cm. The plant needs support to prevent it from falling to the ground, so trellises or poles should be provided for support.
Watering Needs for Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb.
During the flowering and pod development stage, the plant requires a moderate amount of water. The soil must be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. If the topsoil is dry, the plant needs watering. In hot and dry weather, the plant may require water every day. Care must be taken not to damage the leaves while watering.
Fertilization for Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb.
The plant requires a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Organic fertilizers like manure, vermicompost, and bone meal can be applied during the planting process. Nitrogen-based fertilizers can be added at intervals of 3-4 weeks to promote healthy growth and higher yields. It is important to avoid excessive fertilization as it can cause adverse effects on the plant and reduce the yield.
Pruning for Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb.
The plant needs minimal pruning. However, pruning can be done to remove any dead or diseased leaves or stems that may hinder growth or result in the development of diseases. Training and pruning can be done to encourage proper growth and better yield.
To train the plant, the stems can be tied to the trellis or poles so that they grow in an upward direction. Pinching the tips of the branches when the plant has reached the desired height can also stimulate branching and promote the formation of more pods.
With proper care and cultivation, Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb. can produce rich yields in a relatively short time.
Propagation of Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb.
Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb. or the Sublobate Kidney Bean is primarily propagated through seeds. The plant is easy to grow, and with the right conditions, it can start growing within a week of planting the seed.
Growing from Seeds
The seeds of Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb. should be planted in well-drained soil with a pH of 6-7. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil before planting the seeds. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 inches, and they should be spaced about 4-6 inches apart. Water the seeds immediately after planting.
The seedlings will emerge within 7-10 days, and they should be thinned out to ensure proper spacing. The seedlings should be watered regularly, and they should not be allowed to dry out. Additionally, the plants should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer about a month after planting.
Cuttings
Another method of propagation for Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb. is through cuttings. Stem cuttings about 4-6 inches long should be taken from the parent plant, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil, and they should be kept moist until they start to root. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
It is important to note that while cuttings can be used to propagate the plant, it is less commonly used than growing from seeds.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagation for Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb. This involves making a cut in a stem, and then wrapping the cut with moss. The moss is kept moist, and after a few weeks, roots will start to grow from the cut. Once the roots are well-established, the cutting can be planted in a permanent location.
Overall, the Sublobate Kidney Bean is an easy plant to propagate, and with the right conditions, it can grow quickly from seeds or cuttings.
Disease and Pest Management of Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb.
Phaseolus sublobatus Roxb., commonly known as Sublobate Bean, is a tropical legume that is widely cultivated in many countries. Like other crops, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can significantly reduce yield and quality. Effective disease and pest management strategies are essential for successful cultivation of Sublobate Bean. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggested management practices.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This is the most common fungal disease of Sublobate Bean, caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. It causes leaf spots, blight, and cankers on stem and pods, ultimately leading to plant death. To manage Anthracnose, practice crop rotation, plant resistant varieties, and apply fungicides. Also, avoid overhead irrigation and remove and destroy infected plant parts.
Rust: This fungal disease is caused by Uromyces appendiculatus and affects leaves, pods, and stems, causing yellow-orange to reddish-brown pustules. Rust can cause early defoliation and yield loss. To control rust, plant resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, and apply fungicides. Also, avoid overhead irrigation and remove and destroy infected plant debris.
Mosaic Virus: This viral disease causes stunted growth, yellowing, and mottling of leaves, affecting overall plant development. It spreads by sap, seeds, and infected plant debris. To manage Mosaic Virus, plant resistant varieties, practice weed control, avoid mechanical damage, and remove and destroy infected plant parts.
Common Pests
Aphids: These soft-bodied insects are the most common pests of Sublobate Bean, sucking sap and excreting honeydew, leading to the development of sooty mold. Aphids cause stunted growth, leaf curling, and reduced yields. To control aphids, release natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, use insecticidal soap, and practice plant hygiene.
Bean Beetles: These insects feed on leaves, flowers, and pods, causing distortion and damage. Bean beetles can cause significant yield reduction if not managed effectively. To control bean beetles, practice crop rotation, use row covers, release natural predators, and apply insecticides when necessary.
Leafhoppers: These insects are small and wedge-shaped, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunting of plants. Leafhoppers pierce plant tissue to suck on the sap and transmit viruses. To manage leafhoppers, use insecticidal soap, release natural predators, and avoid over-fertilization.
In conclusion, effective disease and pest management is critical for achieving high yields of Sublobate Bean. By implementing these suggested management practices, farmers can minimize the impact of these pests and diseases and achieve healthy and productive crops.
