Description of Vitis quadrangularis
Vitis quadrangularis, also known as the square-stemmed vine, is a climbing plant native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. This plant is a member of the Vitaceae family and is notable for its square stems that are distinct from the typical rounded stems of most grapevine species.
Appearance of Vitis quadrangularis
This perennial plant can grow up to 15 meters in length and has tendrils that allow it to climb and form thickets. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and have a glossy surface. They are about 15-20 cm in length and width. The flowers are small and greenish-white and tend to bloom in the summer. The fruit is a grape-like berry that is about 2 cm in diameter, yellow-green in color, and has a slightly sour taste.
Common Names of Vitis quadrangularis
Vitis quadrangularis is known by many common names in different regions. In India and Sri Lanka, it is known as 'Mahavalli' or 'Dhaval Sag'. In Bangladesh, it is known as 'Boro-teendalota'. In Thailand, it is called 'Khao yai'. In Malaysia, it is known as 'Anggur Lembar'.
Uses of Vitis quadrangularis
Vitis quadrangularis has various uses in traditional medicine. The roots and leaves of this plant are used to treat diarrhea, fever, and other ailments. The leaves are also used to alleviate pain and swelling. The fruit is consumed raw or made into juice and is said to have antioxidant properties.
The wood of the vine is also used for various purposes such as making furniture, agricultural tools, and handicrafts. The plant's thickets are also used to prevent soil erosion.
Growth Conditions for Vitis quadrangularis
Vitis quadrangularis, commonly known as the angle-stemmed vine, thrives in warm tropical regions and is commonly found in India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. The plant is highly adaptable and can grow in a wide range of conditions, but certain factors are required to promote optimal growth.
Light
Vitis quadrangularis is a sun-loving plant and requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to grow. The plant can tolerate some shade, but prolonged exposure to low light levels can hinder growth and fruiting. Artificial lights can be used to supplement natural light in areas with insufficient sunlight.
Temperature
The plant grows well in warm temperatures and requires a minimum temperature of 15°C to survive. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C and 30°C. Extreme temperature fluctuations can be detrimental to the plant, as it thrives in constant conditions. In areas with cooler temperatures, grow lights or heating mats can be used to create a warmer growing environment.
Soil
Vitis quadrangularis prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for growth is between 5.5 and 7.5, but the plant can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soil. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot. If the soil in your area is not suitable, you can amend it with compost or organic matter to improve its quality.
Cultivation Methods
Vitis quadrangularis is a climbing vine that requires support to grow properly. It is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions and can thrive in a variety of soil types. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Propagation of Vitis quadrangularis can be done through stem cuttings or layering. Cuttings should be taken from matured vines in the early morning or late evening and treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-moistened soil mix. Layering involves making a small cut near a node and covering the cut with soil until roots form.
Watering Needs
Watering is crucial for the growth and development of Vitis quadrangularis. The plant prefers a consistent moisture level in the soil, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Watering frequency should be adjusted depending on the weather conditions and the moisture-retention capacity of the soil.
During the growing season, the plant should receive enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In the dormant season, watering should be reduced to prevent root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Vitis quadrangularis requires regular fertilization to support growth and fruit development. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used to supply nutrients to the plant. However, care should be taken not to overuse these fertilizers, as they can lead to excessive vegetative growth and low fruit production.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of Vitis quadrangularis. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to remove dead or diseased wood, as well as to shape the plant and promote new growth.
The plant should be trained to a trellis or support system, and lateral branches should be pruned to encourage the development of new fruiting wood. The main trunk should be pruned to maintain a manageable height and prevent overcrowding.
Propagation of Vitis quadrangularis
Vitis quadrangularis (L.) Wall. ex Wight & Arn., commonly known as the square stemmed grape, can be propagated through various methods including seed, cuttings, or layering. However, seed propagation is not widely adopted due to the variability of seedling traits. Thus, vegetative propagation methods are preferred.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings are one of the most popular and efficient methods of propagating Vitis quadrangularis. Cuttings of one or two years old, with a diameter of at least 1 cm, are collected during the dormant season, preferably between November to January. The cutting should contain two or three nodes, and they should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting. Cuttings are then planted in a rooting medium, and placed in a warm, humid environment to promote rapid rooting. It takes about six to eight weeks for the cuttings to roots, and they can then be transplanted to a larger container or to the field.
Layering propagation
Layering is another method of propagating Vitis quadrangularis, particularly useful for plants that are difficult to root. In this method, a low hanging branch of the vine is selected, bent to the ground, and covered with soil. The chosen section should have at least one or two nodes, and the tip of the branch should be exposed above the soil line. Within a few weeks, the buried section will form roots and start to develop into a new plant. The plant can be cut off from the parent plant and transplanted in the following growing season.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is another possible propagation method for Vitis quadrangularis. It is used when a highly productive variety is required, or when the scion should be matched with a particular rootstock to improve disease resistance or cold tolerance. However, the technique requires more skill and knowledge compared to other propagation methods. In grafting, a cutting of the desired variety is joined to a rootstock of a closely related species or cultivar. The plant is then allowed to grow for a season to ensure proper grafting before transplanting.
Disease and Pest Management for Vitis quadrangularis (L.) Wall. ex Wight & Arn.
Vitis quadrangularis, also known as the square stem grape, is a tropical plant native to India. Although it is generally hardy and disease-resistant, it may sometimes succumb to various pests and diseases. Below are some common diseases and pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease often affects grapevines in humid climates. It leaves a powdery white coating on leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant. To combat powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and use a fungicide like potassium bicarbonate.
Downy mildew: Downy mildew is caused by a fungus-like organism and usually affects the leaves and fruit of grapevines. The first signs of the disease are yellow or green spots on the leaves, which later turn brown and fall off the plant. To prevent downy mildew, keep the grapevines dry and free from excess moisture. Use a fungicide like copper sulfate to control the disease.
Black rot: This fungal disease affects the leaves and fruits of grapevines, causing them to turn brown and shrivel. To prevent black rot, maintain proper pruning and spacing of grapevines to encourage good air circulation. Remove any infected plant parts and use a fungicide like copper sulfate to control the spread.
Pests
Grape berry moth: This pest is a major problem for grapevines in North America. The larvae of the grape berry moth feed on grape berries, causing them to rot and fall off the plant. To manage this pest, install pheromone traps and use insecticides like spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis.
Japanese beetle: The Japanese beetle is a voracious pest that feeds on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of grapevines. To control this pest, use insecticides like carbaryl or neem oil and handpick any beetles you find on the plant.
Leafhopper: Leafhoppers are small, winged insects that feed on the leaves of grapevines, causing them to turn yellow and dry up. To prevent leafhopper damage, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil and keep the grapevines healthy and well-watered.
