Overview of Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik.
Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik. is a leguminous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as velvet bean, cowitch, and yerepe in various regions around the world. The plant is native to tropical regions of Africa, the Americas, and Asia. It is best known for its pharmacological properties and its role in traditional medicine.
Appearance of Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik.
The velvet bean plant is a perennial climber that reaches a height of up to 15 meters. It has long, furry pods that can grow up to 15 centimeters in length. The pods contain seeds that are oblong, brown, and covered with velvet-like hairs. The plant has trifoliate leaves that are bright green and oval-shaped. The flowers are purple or white and grow in clusters.
Uses of Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik.
The velvet bean plant has a wide range of uses, mainly attributed to its medicinal value. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as Parkinson's disease, arthritis, and infertility in both men and women. The seeds of the plant are also used as a natural insecticide in agricultural practices. Additionally, the plant is used as a cover crop and a green manure due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
In recent years, velvet bean has gained popularity as a dietary supplement due to its high concentration of L-DOPA, a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik. is a versatile plant that has played an important role in traditional medicine and agriculture. Its numerous health benefits, coupled with its insecticidal properties, make it an important plant in various parts of the world.
Light Requirements:
Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik. requires moderate to full sunlight to grow. It thrives best under bright and direct sunlight. If the plant is exposed to low light conditions, the growth rate will be slowed down.
Temperature Requirements:
The optimum temperature range for the growth of Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik. is between 23 to 30°C. The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 10°C to 40°C, but it grows best around 25°C. During winters, it does well in a temperature range of 10°C to 20°C.
Soil Requirements:
The plant grows well in fertile, well-drained soil that is moderately acidic to neutral. The optimum pH range for the growth of Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik. is between 6.0 to 7.0. The plant can also tolerate slightly alkaline soil, but it cannot grow properly in highly acidic soil. It prefers a soil rich in organic matter and nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and sulfur.
Cultivation methods
Stizolobium pruriens, commonly known as velvet bean, is a tropical plant that prefers warm and humid conditions. It can grow in sandy or loamy soils with a pH range of 4.5-7.5. The plant can be propagated through seeds, which should be planted in well-draining soil at a depth of 1-2 inches. The seeds will germinate within 7-10 days.
Watering needs
Velvet bean requires regular watering to thrive. The plant should receive enough water to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. In hot and dry conditions, the plant may require watering twice a day to prevent wilting. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Velvet bean requires moderate fertilization to grow vigorously. A balanced fertilizer with a high percentage of phosphorus is ideal for the plant. The number of fertilization applications should depend on the soil’s nutrient content and the plant’s growth phase. The first fertilization should be done during planting, followed by another one or two after the plant has started to grow.
Pruning
The velvet bean plant requires minimal pruning. However, to keep it in good condition, it’s recommended to prune the plant during the dormant season. Pruning should involve the removal of dead or diseased branches and any other parts that may be competing with healthy branches for nutrients.
Propagation of Stizolobium pruriens
Stizolobium pruriens, commonly known as velvet bean, is a leguminous plant species native to Africa. It can be propagated through various methods, which are discussed below.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Stizolobium pruriens is by using seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature pods that have turned brown. After collecting the seeds, they should be air-dried and stored in a cool and dry place until planting time. Before planting, the seeds should be treated with a fungicide to protect them from soil-borne diseases. To plant the seeds, they should be sown 2-3 cm deep in a well-prepared seedbed. The seedbed must be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-10 days.
Cuttings Propagation
Another way to propagate Stizolobium pruriens is through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the early morning hours when the plant is turgid. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long and must have at least two nodes. After cutting the stem, the leaves on the lower half of the stem should be removed. The cuttings should be planted into a prepared seedbed and kept moist until they root.
Division Propagation
Stizolobium pruriens can also be propagated through division. This method is suitable for mature plants that have developed multiple stems. To propagate through division, the plant should be carefully dug up and the roots should be washed to remove soil. The plant should then be divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has roots and stems. The sections should be planted in a prepared seedbed and kept moist until they establish.
Disease and Pest Management for Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik.
Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik., commonly known as velvet bean, is a tropical legume that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Effective control measures are essential to ensure optimal growth and yield.
Common Diseases Affecting Stizolobium pruriens
Some common diseases of Stizolobium pruriens are:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes the development of small, dark spots on the leaves, which may coalesce and cause defoliation. To control this disease, it is essential to remove and destroy affected plant parts and practice crop rotation.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and results in the development of circular, sunken lesions on the leaf, stem, and pod. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected parts, use disease-free seeds, and practice crop rotation.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes the development of reddish-brown pustules on the leaves and stem, which later turn black. Rust can be controlled by removing infected plant parts, practicing crop rotation, and using fungicides.
Common Pests Affecting Stizolobium pruriens
Stizolobium pruriens is also prone to attack by various pests, which include:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects cause leaf curling, stunted growth, and yellowing of foliage. Use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or beneficial insects such as ladybugs to control aphids.
- Thrips: Thrips attack the flowers and pods of the velvet bean, causing malformation and drop. To control thrips, maintain good plant hygiene, use sticky traps, or apply insecticidal soap.
- Bean pod borer: The larvae of this moth bore into and feed on the pods and seeds of velvet bean, causing yield loss. To control the bean pod borer, remove and destroy infested pods, use pheromone traps, and apply insecticides such as cypermethrin.
In conclusion, Stizolobium pruriens is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant yield loss. Therefore, it is essential to practice good plant hygiene, use disease-free seeds, and implement an integrated pest management approach that includes cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control measures.
