Plant Description:
Phaseolus trinervius Wight & Arnott, commonly known as the Three-nerved Bean, is a plant species native to India and Sri Lanka. This plant belongs to the family Fabaceae, the pea family, and is a climbing or trailing annual herb. The plant has three-veined, round or broadly ovate leaflets, which are dark green in color and measure about 2-3 centimeters in length. It produces small, white or pale pink flowers arranged in axillary racemes. The fruits are compressed, curved or twisted pods with a length of 5-8 centimeters and a width of 0.4-0.5 centimeters.Common Names:
Phaseolus trinervius is known by a variety of common names in different regions, including Three-nerved Bean, Moth Bean, Golden Gram, Matki, and Turkish Gram. In India, it is also known by regional names such as Mat, Mot, and Matki.Uses:
Phaseolus trinervius has various uses, especially in Indian cuisine, where it is a staple food. The beans are considered highly nutritious and are an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. In addition to being used in cooked dishes such as curries and stews, the seeds of this plant are also sprouted and eaten raw in salads. The roots, leaves, and bark of Phaseolus trinervius have medicinal properties and are believed to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. They are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diabetes, cough, fever, and skin diseases.General Appearance:
Phaseolus trinervius is a small, erect or climbing plant that grows up to 50-60 centimeters in height. It has a slender stem with long, thin, twining branches. The leaves are trifoliate and arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are small and white or pale pink, with a typical pea-like appearance. The fruit is a slender, cylindrical or twisted pod, containing small seeds that are usually light tan or beige in color.Light Requirements
Phaseolus trinervius Wight & Arnott grows best in areas with full sun exposure. However, it can also tolerate partial shade. Plants grown in shady locations tend to have weaker stems and produce fewer flowers and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Phaseolus trinervius cultivation is between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C can lead to stunted growth and reduce yields. High temperatures above 35°C can also affect plant growth and productivity. The plant can't withstand frost and freezing temperatures and should be grown in frost-free areas with mild winters.
Soil Requirements
Phaseolus trinervius prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and high in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is important to avoid waterlogged soils as they can cause root rot. Sandy loam or loamy soils with good water-holding capacity are suitable for optimal growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation methods
The Phaseolus trinervius Wight & Arnott, commonly known as Three-nerved bean, is a hardy and adaptable plant that can thrive in a wide range of growing conditions. It grows well in warm climates, with temperatures ranging between 70-80°F. The plant requires a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH level of 6.0-6.8.
Plant the seeds in rows in the garden bed at a spacing of about 6 inches between rows and 2-3 inches within the rows. The seeds should be sown 1-2 inches deep and watered thoroughly immediately after planting. Three-nerved beans can also be grown in containers with a minimum size of 12 inches.
Watering needs
Three-nerved bean requires regular watering to thrive. Water the plants frequently and evenly, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, which can lead to fungal infections on the foliage and bean pods. Mulching around the plants can help to conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Fertilization
The Three-nerved bean is a leguminous plant that can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizers. However, the plant still requires adequate phosphorus and potassium for optimal growth and yield. Incorporate a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) into the soil at planting, and side dress with additional fertilizer 4-6 weeks after planting. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced pod development.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Three-nerved bean plants since they tend to grow as bushy plants. However, removing the lower leaves that touch the ground can help to prevent fungal infections and improve air circulation around the plant. Additionally, removing dead or damaged plant parts can help to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
Propagation of Phaseolus trinervius Wight & Arnott
Phaseolus trinervius Wight & Arnott, commonly known as the Three-ribbed bean, is a legume species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is a commonly cultivated crop in Southeast Asia, especially in India, where it is grown for both food and medicinal purposes. Propagation of Phaseolus trinervius can be done through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Phaseolus trinervius. Seeds should be selected carefully from healthy parent plants. The seeds should be sown either directly into the soil or in a seed tray filled with a suitable growing medium like peat moss. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination. Germination usually happens within 7-10 days after sowing. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, usually around 3-4 inches, they can be transplanted into their final growing position.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method of propagating Phaseolus trinervius. This method involves taking a cutting from the parent plant, and rooting it to produce a new plant. To do this, select a healthy stem with several leaves and make a clean cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cutting into a rooting hormone, and insert it into a pot filled with a suitable growing medium. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a warm, bright area, and within a few weeks, roots should appear.
Division propagation
Division propagation is a method used for mature plants that have already produced multiple stems or have become too large for their current position. In this method, the parent plant is carefully dug up and divided into several sections, each with its own root system. Each section is then replanted into its own pot or position in the garden, and watered thoroughly. This method can also be used for plants that have developed offsets.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus trinervius Wight & Arnott Plants
Phaseolus trinervius Wight & Arnott, commonly known as the three-veined bean, is a tropical plant that is mainly grown for its edible pods and seeds. However, like any other plant, it is vulnerable to attacks from pests and diseases that can significantly reduce its yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Phaseolus trinervius Wight & Arnott plants and the ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose - Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes sunken and dark spots on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. The infected areas may become gray or pink when the weather is damp. The disease can easily spread from plant to plant, particularly during wet and humid conditions.
To manage anthracnose, you can use fungicides, crop rotation, and seed treatment. Fungicides such as copper-based products and chlorothalonil can help to control the disease. Crop rotation with non-host crops like cereals and legumes can also reduce the spread of the disease. Additionally, seed treatment with fungicides before planting can prevent the disease from spreading to other plants.
Bacterial blight - Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves, pods, and stems of Phaseolus trinervius Wight & Arnott plants. The infected areas become water-soaked, yellow, and then turn brown. The disease spreads rapidly during wet conditions, and it can kill the plant if not managed promptly.
The best way to manage bacterial blight is to use copper-based products and to avoid working with the plants when they are wet. Additionally, you can use clean planting material, rotate crops, and avoid overhead irrigation.
Pests
Aphids - Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to wilt and become yellow. They can also transmit plant viruses and attract ants to the plant.
To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings. Additionally, you can prune the affected areas of the plant and remove weeds around the plant because they can attract aphids.
Mexican bean beetles - Mexican bean beetles are destructive pests that eat the leaves and pods of the plant. They can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce the yield if not managed promptly.
You can manage Mexican bean beetles by using insecticides like permethrin, pyrethrin, and rotenone. Additionally, you can introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps and ladybugs. You can also handpick the beetles off the plants and remove any weeds or debris around the plant that could serve as a habitat for them.
By managing these pests and diseases effectively, you can ensure healthy Phaseolus trinervius Wight & Arnott plants with optimal yields.
