Origin
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct. is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant species is indigenous to Tanzania in East Africa and mainly found in the Kilimanjaro region.
Common Names
It is commonly known as Marangu bean or Kilimanjaro bean. In Tanzania, it is also called ‘Kunde’ which means beans in Swahili.
Uses
The Marangu bean has various uses. The most common use is as a food crop for human consumption. It is a rich source of protein and minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc. The bean is also used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, such as anemia, diabetes, and hypertension.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the Marangu bean is used as a cover crop to reduce soil erosion. It has nitrogen-fixing bacteria that help to improve soil fertility, making it an important crop for small-scale farmers.
General Appearance
The Marangu bean is an annual climbing plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has slender, twining stems and pinnately compound leaves with three to five leaflets. The flowers are small and white, and the pods are cylindrical and green when young, becoming purplish-black when mature. Each pod contains 3-6 seeds, which are usually brown or black and have a round shape.
Overall, Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct. is a valuable plant species in Tanzania, with numerous uses that are beneficial to both human beings and the environment.
Light Requirements
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct. typically grows in areas with bright sunlight, but it can also tolerate partially shaded conditions. The plant requires around 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and yield.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm and humid conditions, preferring temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. The minimum temperature required for growth is approximately 15°C, while the maximum temperature should not exceed 35°C.
Soil Requirements
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct. requires well-drained, nutrient-rich soil for healthy growth. The soil should have a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clayey soils.
Cultivation Methods:
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct is a subtropical plant that thrives best in well-drained soil. It is recommended to grow the plant in a sunny or partially shaded area.
The plant's propagation is usually done through seeds, which are best sown in the soil after the last frost of winter. The seeds should be planted 2 inches deep and 3 inches apart from each other.
Watering Needs:
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct requires moderate watering, especially during the flowering and fruiting seasons. It is crucial to provide enough water for the plant to prevent it from drying out. However, avoid overwatering as it may lead to root rot. Watering twice a week is sufficient for this plant.
Fertilization:
For healthy growth and productivity, Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct needs proper fertilization. Apply a slow-release fertilizer, rich in nitrogen and potassium, every four weeks. An organic fertilizer can also be used to increase the soil's nutrients.
Pruning:
Pruning is not essential for Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct. However, it is recommended to remove the dead or diseased leaves and stems. Pinching off the growing tips of the plant can help to promote branching, thereby stimulating new growth.
Propagation methods for Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct.
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct. can be propagated through different means, either by sexual or asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Seeds are the most common means of sexual propagation for Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct. Seeds should be collected when they are mature and have turned brown. They should be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place until planting time. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for about 24 hours to facilitate germination.
The best time to sow the seeds is at the beginning of the rainy season. The seeds can be sown directly in the field or in containers. The soil in which the seeds are sown should be well-drained and fertile. Overcrowding should be avoided because it can lead to poor growth and development. Germination usually takes about 2-4 weeks.
Asexual propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct. This method is useful for maintaining the genetic integrity of the plant. Some of the commonly used vegetative propagation methods include stem cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Stem cuttings are a common method of vegetative propagation, especially for ornamental plants. To propagate Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct., take cuttings from young plants, preferably with some roots. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should be taken during the rainy season. Remove all the leaves except the top two and insert the cuttings into a rooting medium, such as sand or vermiculite. Keep the cuttings moist and warm until they sprout roots.
Layering is another vegetative propagation method that involves bending a stem or branch of the plant to the ground and burying a portion of it in the soil while the tip remains above the ground. New roots will form on the partially buried stem, and when they are strong enough, the stem can be separated from the mother plant.
Grafting involves joining a stem or bud from one plant onto another plant that has a strong root system. This is a more advanced method of propagating Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct. and requires skill and experience.
Disease Management
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common plant diseases that might affect this plant:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and dark lesions on seeds. To manage this disease, you can use fungicides or crop rotation to prevent its spread.
- Root rots: Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct. is also vulnerable to various soil-borne fungal and bacterial pathogens that can cause root rots. To prevent this disease, use well-drained soil, avoid over-watering, and practice crop rotation.
- Mosaic viruses: This plant can also be infected by mosaic viruses, which can cause leaf mottling, yellowing, and stunting of the plant. To control this disease, remove and destroy infected plants and use virus-free seeds;
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, pests can also affect the growth and yield of Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis auct. Here are some common pests that might attack this plant:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs or use insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that can cause leaf deformation and discoloration. You can control them by introducing natural predators or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can cause webbing on the leaves and yellowing of the plant. To control spider mites, use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
