Origin
Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz is a legume plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is indigenous to central and western parts of Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as wild yam bean. Other local names include Golungo bean, Bambara groundnut, Congo goober, and Hausa groundnut.
Uses
Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz is a multipurpose plant that serves several uses. The seeds and tubers of the plant are edible and have high nutritional value. The seeds are cooked, roasted, or ground into flour to make food products such as cakes, bread, and porridges. The plant also has medicinal value, and the leaves and roots are used to treat various ailments, including snakebites.
The plant also serves as a soil-improving crop, and the legumes enhance soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, which benefits other crops. The plant has been listed as a priority crop for food security in Africa and has been promoted for its potential to combat malnutrition and poverty in the region.
General Appearance
Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz is an annual climbing or trailing legume plant that grows up to two meters long. The stem is green or reddish and hairy, and the leaves are trifoliate, oval-shaped, and hairy. The flowers are yellow and pea-like, and the fruits are elongated pods that are up to 10 cm long and contain between two and eight seeds. The seeds are smooth, kidney-shaped, and vary in color from cream to black.
Light Requirements
Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz requires full sunlight to grow efficiently. The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient amount of sunlight may lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm climate with a temperature range between 20-30°C. Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°C or above 35°C. As a tropical plant, it requires high humidity levels for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz needs well-drained soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. Sufficient soil moisture is important for flower and fruit development. Organic matter can be added to the soil to improve soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation methods
Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz is commonly referred to as the African yam bean and is a tropical legume. It thrives in warm and humid climates, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The plant prefers a well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5.
You can grow African yam bean through stem cutting or planting seeds. If you decide to use seeds, soak them in water before planting, and repeat the process daily for three days. This will enhance germination rates.
Watering needs
In its growing season, African yam bean requires enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant's water needs decrease during dormancy periods, and overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. Ensure you water the plant thoroughly and keep the soil moist.
Fertilization
Fertilization is an essential aspect of the growth of African yam bean, and it requires soil that is nutrient-rich. You can improve soil fertility by adding organic matter, such as compost, manure, or leaf litter. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning
African yam bean benefits from shaping to increase airflow and sunlight penetration. Pruning promotes a bushy growth that will lead to increased yields. You may need to remove the lower leaves and stems to encourage the growth of the top leaves and pods.
Propagation of Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz
Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz, commonly known as the sound bean, is a leguminous shrub that is distributed in the tropical forests of Africa. Though a wild plant, it has significant economic importance in many African countries. Thus, it is necessary to propagate it.
Propagation Methods
Propagation can be done through two methods, namely,
1. Seeds
Seeds are the most common and easiest way to propagate Psophocarpus golungensis. The seeds should be collected from mature pods and then dried. A 24-hour soaking in hot water is recommended to break the seeds' hard coat to aid in germination. The seeds should then be sown in a well-draining soil mix at a depth of 2-3 cm. The ideal temperature for germination ranges from 25-30°C. Germination may take up to 20 days.
2. Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used for the propagation of Psophocarpus golungensis. Cuttings taken from mature plants with a length of 15-20 cm and a diameter of 1-1.5 cm are ideal. The lower leaves should be removed, and the stem's base should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept under partial shade and should be misted regularly. Rooting may take up to two months.
Both seed and stem cuttings propagate Psophocarpus golungensis quite effectively, allowing for cultivation and wider distribution of this useful leguminous shrub.
Disease and Pest Management for Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz
Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz is generally a healthy plant, but like any other plant, it can be affected by diseases and pests. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, and suggested ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz plant. It causes yellowing, spotting, and wilting of the leaves. To manage anthracnose, remove and dispose of infected leaves and stems. Also, ensure that the plant has proper air circulation and avoid overwatering.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz plant. It causes wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Bacterial leaf spot: Bacterial leaf spot is a disease that causes water-soaked lesions on the leaves of Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz plant. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the leaves of Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz plant. They cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of nocturnal moths. They cut the plant's stem at the soil level, causing it to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, handpick them from the plant if you spot them, and apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to the soil.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves of Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz plant. They cause yellowing and speckling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By following the above tips to manage diseases and pests, you can ensure that your Psophocarpus golungensis Welw. ex Romariz plant remains healthy and thriving.
