Origin and Common Names
Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. is a species of legume native to Southeast Asia. It is commonly known as the sea bean, sea vigna, or beach pea due to its natural habitat in sandy coastal areas.
Appearance
The sea bean plant has a prostrate growth habit, meaning it spreads out along the ground rather than growing upright. It produces slender stems that can reach up to six feet (1.8 meters) in length and oval-shaped leaflets that are a glossy dark green color. The flowers are small and pink or purple in color, and the plant produces elongated pods that are up to six inches (15 cm) long and one inch (2.5 cm) wide.
Uses
Sea beans are not typically grown commercially but have been traditionally harvested by coastal communities for their edible seeds and pods. The seeds can be roasted and eaten like nuts, while the pods can be boiled or pickled and used in salads or as a substitute for green beans. The sea bean plant is also used for soil stabilization in coastal areas due to its ability to thrive in sandy soil and improve its quality.
Light requirements
Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. prefers bright sunlight to grow well. In fact, the plant requires at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. However, it is also important to note that the plant may still grow in partially shaded areas, but the growth rate will be slower compared to a fully sunlit area.
Temperature requirements
This species of Vigna marina likes warm temperatures to grow and thrive. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. The plant may not grow well in regions with extremely low temperatures, which can slow down the plant's growth rate. Additionally, frost and cold snaps may kill the plant. It is important to maintain proper temperatures to ensure that the plant grows well.
Soil requirements
Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. requires a well-draining soil with moderate fertility to grow properly. The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to avoid waterlogged soils as too much water can cause root rot and kill the plant. The soil pH should be maintained within a range of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth of the plant.
Cultivation
Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to grow. It thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. The plant should be grown in a warm and sunny location, away from strong winds that can damage the foliage.
Watering Needs
Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. prefers consistently moist soil that does not become waterlogged. It is important to water the plant deeply but less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This helps to prevent root rot and fungal diseases that can easily spread in moist conditions.
Fertilization
To ensure healthy growth and optimum yields, Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. should be fertilized regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote growth and development throughout the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning helps to keep the plant neat and tidy while also promoting healthy growth. Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. should be pruned during the dormant season. Cut back any dead or diseased branches, and remove any crossing or rubbing branches. This helps to improve airflow and sunlight penetration, which can reduce the risk of diseases and pests.
Propagation Methods for Vigna Marina Subsp. Oblonga
Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct., commonly known as the sea bean or beach pea, is a woody creeping vine that grows in sandy soils along seashores, beach dunes, and coastal forests.
The plant can be propagated through seed or stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds should be harvested from mature pods. The pods are allowed to dry on the plant before collection. The seeds should then be stored in a dry and cool place until planting.
The ideal planting time for Vigna marina subs. oblonga is during the rainy season. The seeds can be directly sown in well-draining soil with sand mixed in to mimic the plant's natural habitat.
It is recommended to soak the seeds in water for 2-3 hours before planting. The planting depth should be around 2-3 cm. The seeds will germinate within 1-2 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from a healthy and mature Vigna marina subs. oblonga plant. The cutting should be taken from the top portion of the stem. It should be around 15 cm in length and have at least two nodes.
The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be planted in well-draining soil with sand mixed in, keeping the soil moist until rooting occurs.
The cutting should be placed in a shaded area and protected from direct sunlight. It will take around 4-6 weeks for the cutting to root and another 3 months to grow into a mature plant.
Propagation of Vigna marina subs. oblonga through seeds or stem cuttings is relatively easy, making it an ideal plant for propagation in nurseries or home gardens.
Disease Management for Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct.
Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. is susceptible to fungal, viral and bacterial diseases that can reduce crop yields. Here are some common diseases that affect the plant, and ways to manage them:
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, anthracnose, and rust can affect Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. To manage these diseases, it is important to practice crop rotation, clean up crop debris and remove infected plants. Fungicides may also be applied to the plants to control these diseases. However, it is important to choose a fungicide that is labeled for use on the specific disease and is safe for the environment.
Viral Diseases
Viral diseases such as mosaic viruses can cause stunted growth and reduced yields for Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. The best way to prevent viral diseases is to remove infected plants and control the pests that can spread them. Preventing the introduction of infected weeds into the field, practicing good sanitation and using disease-resistant varieties can also help reduce the incidence of viral diseases.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial diseases such as bacterial wilt can cause rapid wilting and death in Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. To manage bacterial wilt, it is important to practice crop rotation, use disease-free seed, and control the insects that can spread the disease. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and the soil should be treated with a soil fumigant. Copper-based fungicides may also be used to control bacterial diseases.
Pest Management for Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct.
Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. can be affected by a variety of insect pests that can damage or kill the plant. Here are some common pests that affect the plant, and ways to manage them:
Bean Fly
Bean fly can cause stunted growth and wilt in Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. To manage bean fly, it is important to practice crop rotation and use insecticides labeled for use on the specific pest. Sticky traps and intercropping with repellent plants can also help manage the pest.
Aphids
Aphids can cause distortion and yellowing of leaves in Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. To manage aphids, it is important to use insecticides labeled for use on the specific pest and to encourage the presence of parasitic wasps and other natural enemies.
Cutworms
Cutworms can cut the seedling stem of Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. subsp. oblonga auct. at or below the soil surface. To manage cutworms, it is important to use insecticides labeled for use on the specific pest and to use physical barriers like collars around the base of the plants. Cultivating the soil before planting can also expose cutworms to natural predators.
