Origin of Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha
Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae or legume family. It is native to various regions in Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Javanese groundnut, wild soya, Glycine, and javanica.
General Appearance
The Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha plant typically grows as a mat on the ground, with stems extending about 50 cm or less in length. It possesses trifoliate leaves that stand upright, exhibiting a dark green shade and forming a rounded shape, with each leaflet broadly egg-shaped and around 4–10 mm long. The inflorescence emerges from the leaves, stretching around 3 cm high and also wide, and bears pink-lilac flowers, which are about 1–1.5 cm long. The plant's fruit is a broadly flattened pod that houses flattened, round seeds with an average diameter of 3–4 mm.
Uses of Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha
The Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha plant has various uses in traditional medicine, such as treating tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases. The leaves are used to make decoctions to aid digestion and treat diarrhea. Additionally, the seeds and the roots of the plant are sometimes eaten.
Light Requirements
Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It can tolerate partial shade but may not develop well in such conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha is native to tropical and subtropical regions, and therefore, requires warm temperatures to thrive. The plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C, but the ideal temperature range is between 20°C and 30°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and provide adequate moisture retention without being waterlogged. Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha can grow well in sandy loam, clay loam, and loamy soils.
Cultivation Methods
Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha is a legume plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade environments. It can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, with a pH of 5.0 to 8.0. The plant can grow to a height of 1.5 meters and spreads up to 3 meters. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. The best time for planting this plant is during the rainy season.
Watering Needs
Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The plant needs enough water to keep the soil moist, but it is essential to avoid waterlogging as it can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering should be reduced gradually during the rainy season.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the healthy growth of Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 2:1:1 (NPK) is recommended. The plant can be fertilized twice a year, during the beginning of the rainy and dry seasons. Organic manure can also be used as a source of fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to control the size and shape of Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha. The plant can be pruned during the dry season, after the flowering period, to encourage new shoots. Dead or diseased wood should be removed, and the branches should be cut to a point just above the node. Pruning also helps to increase the ventilation and sunlight penetration to the plant's canopy.
Propagation of Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha
Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha is a fast-growing plant that propagates well from seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation from seeds
Seeds of Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha can be collected from the mature pods of the plant. The seeds can be planted in early spring or late winter, and it usually takes about 7-10 days to germinate. The seeds should be planted in a pot or directly in the soil at a depth of about 2-3 cm. The seedlings should be watered daily and kept in a warm and sunny area.
Propagation from cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from the healthy stem of the plant during the early spring season. The cuttings should be about 5-10 cm long, and a minimum of two nodes should be present on each cutting. The bottom node should be buried in the soil and watered regularly. Cuttings usually take about 20-25 days to root and form new shoots. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and shady area and should be watered regularly.
Propagation from division
The plant can also be propagated through division. The mature plant should be dug up carefully, and the root ball should be separated into two or more sections. Each section should have adequate roots and stems. The separated sections should be planted in a pot or soil and watered adequately. The divided plants usually take a few weeks to establish and start growing again.
Disease and Pest Management for Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha
Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha is a plant that is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by some common diseases and pests that can hinder its growth and development.
Common Pests
The common pests that can affect Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha are aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can be seen gathering on the leaves and stems of the plant. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and shriveling of the leaves. Whiteflies are tiny, winged insects that suck the sap from the plants, causing them to produce less chlorophyll and ultimately killing the plant.
To manage these pests, one can use chemical or non-chemical methods. The use of insecticidal soaps or oils can be effective in controlling pests. Biological control can also be employed by introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings that feed on pests.
Common Diseases
Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha can be affected by several diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot disease, and root rot. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Leaf spot disease is caused by a fungus that forms small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to wilting and death of the plant.
To manage these diseases, one can use chemical or non-chemical methods. The use of fungicides can be effective in controlling fungal diseases. However, one should always follow the directions on the product label. Non-chemical methods include practicing good hygiene, such as removing infected plant parts and preventing the spread of disease by not using contaminated tools and equipment.
Conclusion
Glycine javanica L. subsp. micrantha is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, when these issues arise, it is crucial to manage them promptly to prevent further damage to the plant. Using a combination of chemical and non-chemical methods can be effective in controlling pests and diseases.
