Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
SELECTION CHARACTERISTICS
In Europe, distinct varieties of these peas and beans are often not
available, but where they are widely and commonly grown, crop diversity is large. For all these
legumes, use the same selection criteria as for common beans, as well as the following:
• adaptability to local growing conditions
• earliness
• cold tolerance
• pod tenderness
DISEASES AND PESTS
We have found hyacinth and lima beans and the asparagus pea to be relatively
robust: we have yet to observe any disease or pest on any of them. All five species (with the exception
of the asparagus pea) can be affected by the bean weevil; in their countries of origin, however, numer-
ous diseases and pests affect these plants. Hyacinth beans, cowpeas, and mung beans, typically grown
in greenhouses in temperate zones, are susceptible there to spider mites. Prevention: well-ventilated
greenhouse, keeping plants well watered. Treatment: targeted use of beneficial insects (predatory
mites).
CULTIVATION HISTORY
There are divergent opinions as to the native land of the hyacinth bean. On
the one hand, it is presumed to come from east Africa because the wild subspecies is found there. On
the other hand, the oldest (prehistoric) finds are from the Indian subcontinent, where a great diversity
is found and the beans are widely grown.
Lima bean pods usually contain only one to three seeds.
