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Leguminous Cover Plant, Mucuna bracteata
 
The
Mucuna Network
Mucuna bracteata | Contact
Me
The
Introduction and Establishment of a New Leguminous Cover Plant, Mucuna
bracteata under Oil Palm in Malaysia.*
CHERIACHANGEL MATHEWS1
Golden Hope Plantations Berhad, Tangkak Estate, P.O. Box 503, 84900 Tangkak,
Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia
From
the trials Mucuna bracteata merits more extensive cultivation. Its
desirable characters are that the seed rate is very much lower than
conventional cover plants and less labour intensive for planting. The
initial three months requires purification of leguminous cover plant.
Its vigorous growth coupled with its probable allelopathic property,
noxious weeds and grasses are well smothered; thus requiring less maintenance
other than monthly circle spraying. M. bracteata's drought and shade
tolerance are far superior than conventional covers that poses less
of a hazard in the dry weather. It has a high level of phenolic compounds
which deters insects and cattle. This perennial leguminous creepers
have deep roots and produce significant quantities of litter which
decomposes slowly, and increases the fertility of surface soil. At
the onset of second year of planting M. bracteata dominated the other
two covers in growth and coverage.
Keywords: Leguminous cover plant, Mucuna
bracteata.
The
establishment of a legume cover in young rubber and oil palm plantings
is a common practice in Malaysia. The main functions of such ground cover
are to protect the soil from erosion and enrich the organic matter; the
latter improves the soil structure leading to better aeration, infiltration
and retention of moisture.
The cover plants also minimise leaching losses of nutrients and reduce competition from noxious weeds. When selecting ground cover plants, preference is always given to legumes because they fix nitrogen and make it available to the main crop (Hartley, 1977).
However, management of ground covers is an important aspect of rubber and oil palm cultivation. In Malaysia, Pueraria phaseoloides, Calopogonium caeruleum and Centrosema pubescens are widely cultivated as cover for rubber and oil palm (Pushparajah, 1973; Wahab, 1977). These traditional leguminous covers do not normally compete successfully against volunteer weed growths, particularly Mikania, Asystasia and grasses without the laborious hand weeding and weeding with herbicides during the first year of establishment. Subsequent years with increasing shade from oil palms and rubber trees, the leguminous cover plant growth is hampered (except Calopogonium caeruleum) and provides little soil coverage and shade tolerant weeds take dominance.
The
social problem of cattle grazing on the leguminous covers and drought
season, further exasperates planter in the establishment of legumes. In
the past planters were often judged by the ability to establish pure leguminous
covers; however this is a fallacy now, due to shortage of labour and virulent
weeds. The merits for introducing a new leguminous cover plant would be
very timely.
The
desirable characteristics are:
Very
vigorous growth
Easy
establishment and low seed rate
Non-palatability
to cattle
High-drought
tolerance
Shade
tolerance
Presence
of alleolo chemical to enhance competitive ability against weed growth
High
biomass production
Tolerance
to pest and diseases
Low
labour and chemical requirements for its establishment
Good
control against soil erosion
MATERIALS AND METHODS
M. Bracteata seeds were imported from Kerala, South India on obtaining the Import Permit from Crop Protection Branch at Kuala Lumpur and Phytosanitary Certificate from Government of India in 1991.
The seed treatment, germination, method of planting, seeding rates, manuring and maintenance of cover and growth characters were studied under field conditions.
This material was evaluated as follows: -
a. M.bracteata x 4 replicates - Fld 90 - Flat area
b. 2 types* of LCP x 4 replicates - Fld. 90 - Flat area
c. M.bracteata x 4 replicates - Fld. 91 - Terraced
* Pueraria phaeseoloides and Calopogonium caeruleum
Plot size was 10 m x 30 m
Details on the establishment of M. bracteata
Seeds
The seeds are large, weighing 99 to 190 mg each and are black in colour with a hard seed coat (see Appendix A).
In view of hard seed coat, the seeds did not germinate under
ambient conditions. Thus after treatment with concentrated sulphuric
acid for 30 minutes a germination rate of 70 percent was obtained
in three days. Scarification of seeds mechanically on a rough
surface or sand paper recorded 95 percent germination success
in three days.
Mechanically scarified seeds were raised in mini polythene bags
(12.7cm x 17.7cm), which were filled with topsoil. Six weeks after
sowing, the seedlings were transplanted to the palm rows, which
were free from other vegetative growth.
Planting density
Three seedlings of M. bracteata of six weeks old were planted in between two palms (in conjunction with palm planting). Lower seed rate of two seedlings took 30 percent longer time for longer coverage. In a stand of 136 palms per hectare, only 408 M.
bracteata seedlings or 75g of seeds were required per hectare. Care was taken to plant the seedlings during wet weather. M.
bracteata's growth at the initial period of 12 months was slow; subsequently it took over and exhibited it's vigorous growth. (To provide faster soil coverage Mucuna
conchinchinensis is recommended to be sown along with M.
bracteata for the initial temporary ground cover or along with conventional covers e.g. Pueraria
phaseoloides).
Manuring
M. bracteata is very sensitive to inorganic fertiliser. It is recommended to apply Bayfolan (trace elements- foliar fertiliser) after two months of planting in the field. At the eighth month 50 kg per hectare rock phosphate followed by 100 kg per hectare rock phosphate at the 14th month was used. No further application was required after the 14th month.
Maintenance
In the initial three months, a zone free of vegetation of 1 m around each seedlings of M.
bracteata was maintained. In view of the low seedling rate per hectare, care was taken not to spray herbicide directly in order to prevent its drift on the M.
bracteata seedlings. Thereafter, only eradication of 'woody' plants was carried out. M.
bracteata gave full coverage of the field from second year onwards. Monthly circle sprayings of palms were very pertinent as the vigorous growth of M.
bracteata would otherwise engulf the palms.
RESULTS
Growth characters
The vines grew very fast by branching from each node. Dark green
trifoliate leaves grew to a size of about 14 cm to 10 cm. The
leaves are thermonastic - when temperature rises or falls the
leaves close up. The three seedlings of M.
bracteata planted between two palms grew and covered about 20m2 in 10 months and suppressed the noxious weeds. The dead older leaves shed and formed thick mulch over the ground.
A sampling after three years of establishment showed that the
dry matter productions from M.
bracteata was 8 to 10 tonnes compared with 4.4 tonnes with conventional covers (Table 1). Leaf litter was 3.4 to 7.3 tonnes under M.
bracteata and only 1.5 tonnes under conventional covers (Table 2).
The thickness of the green vegetation of M. bracteata on
the ground ranged from 39 cm to 90 cm. Such a luxuriant growth
of cover plants will be much value in smothering weeds and reducing
soil temperature. The probable presence of alleolo-chemicals in
the tips of young vein inhibits the growth of engulfed weeds.
The mulch of dried leaves would increase the microbial activity
and enrich the nutrient status of the soil. Roots developed from
the nodes of vines touching the ground are fibrous. Nodules formed
on such roots are small and round. The nodules that developed
on the roots of established plants were irregular in shape measuring
0.2cm to 2 cm. The nodules on aging turn black indicating presence
of oxyhaemoglobin (Cloonan, 1963), which can serve the
function of leghaemoglobin.
TABLE 1
DRY MATTER PRODUCTION BY DIFFERENT COVERS IN THE TRIALS
Trial
P90 (M. bracteata)
Green vegetative matter
Fresh wt
(g)
Dry wt
(g)
Moisture
(%)
Dry wt
(t/ha)
Rep 1
728.70
130.87
82.0
5.23
Rep 2
1 905.97
320.64
83.2
12.83
Rep 3
1 507.70
232.14
84.6
9.29
Rep 4
1 380.40
301.41
78.2
12.06
Mean
1 380.69
246.27
82.0
9.85
Trial
P91(M. bracteata)
Green
vegetative matter
Fresh wt
(g)
Dry wt
(g)
Moisture
(%)
Dry wt
(t/ha)
Rep 1
1
747.03
298.47
82.9
11.94
Rep 2
767.30
139.00
81.9
5.56
Rep 3
651.18
133.25
79.5
5.53
Rep 4
1
529.12
300.51
80.3
12.02
Mean
1
173.66
217.81
81.2
8.71
Trial P90 (LCP Conventional)
Green vegetative matter
Fresh wt
(g)
Dry wt
(g)
Moisture
(%)
Dry wt
(t/ha)
Rep 1
797.74
103.50
87.0
4.14
Rep 2
705.08
117.39
83.4
4.70
Rep 3
768.84
116.35
84.9
4.65
Rep 4
682.56
103.79
84.8
4.15
Mean
738.56
110.26
85.0
4.41
The very presence of nodules indicates the penetration of Rhizobium (Dutta, 1970); however, over a period the leghaemoglobin will indicate its presence on build up of right type of Rhizobium.
The main roots grew to depth of 2 to 3 m. As found by Wycherley (1963)
deep rooted plants may increase the fertility of surface soil by extracting
nutrients from deeper layer of soil and depositing them on the surface
in the form of organic matter.
Total biomass at the end of forth year after establishment 15.63
in the case of M.bracteata as against 4.16 tonnes per hectare in Pueraria
phaseoloides (Kothandram et al., 1989).
TABLE
2
LEAF LITTER PRODUCTION
Trial
P90 (M. bracteata)
Leaf
litter
Fresh wt
(g)
Dry wt
(g)
Moisture
(%)
Dry wt
(t/ha)
Rep 1
978.15
176.61
81.9
7.06
Rep 2
864.10
169.70
80.4
6.79
Rep 3
1296.10
202.89
84.3
8.12
Rep 4
948.10
181.98
80.8
7.28
Mean
1021.99
182.80
81.9
7.31
Trial P91 (M. bracteata)
Leaf litter
Fresh wt
(g)
Dry wt
(g)
Moisture
(%)
Dry wt
(t/ha)
Rep 1
404.98
75.53
81.3
3.02
Rep 2
423.64
78.53
81.5
3.14
Rep 3
618.84
115.04
81.4
4.60
Rep 4
379.93
66.45
82.5
2.66
Mean
456.62
83.89
81.7
3.36
Trial
P90 (LCP Conventional)
Leaf
litter
Fresh wt
(g)
Dry wt
(g)
Moisture
(%)
Dry wt
(t/ha)
Rep 1
310.25
54.21
82.5
2.17
Rep 2
242.28
32.37
86.7
1.29
Rep 3
96.72
18.42
81.0
0.74
Rep 4
229.38
44.83
80.5
1.79
Mean
219.71
37.46
82.7
1.50
From the trend in growth of M.bracteata the higher build up of biomass will prolong its growth further into the mature phase of the main crop. Such influence of cover plants on mature trees was reported by Pushparajah (1977).
It was observed that M. bracteata litter decomposes slowly. The slower decomposition rate and gradual nutrient mineralisation of cover plants leaf litter are valuable attributes, as the mulch would have a more lasting effect and nutrients would be available over a longer period for uptake (Tan et al., 1976). From trials at North Labis Estate, at the end of third year, the total biomass of M.
bracteata was 17.16 tonnes (flat area) and 12.07 tonnes (terraced area) against 5.91 tonnes per hectare of conventional covers (Pueraria
phaseoloides and Calopogonium caeruleum)
(Tables 1 & 2).
Drought and shade tolerance
This plant did not dry during hot spells (4 months drought). Only
older leaves shed during the dry months and new shoots came out about 30 days
later. Under shade, this cover plant also grew, but the growth was comparatively
less.
Pest and disease
So far no serious pest or disease problems were noticed in this cover
plant. In the months of December/January, insect infestation was manifested by
tiny holes on the leaves of this cover plant, however the infestations were mild
as high level of phenolic compounds deter the insects (Kothandram et al., 1989).
It is also non-palatable to cattle due to presence of high levels of phenolic
compounds and there is no menace from cattle.
Propagation
Propagation of M.bracteata is possible
through seeds and stem cuttings. As seeds are not easily available, propagation
by cuttings or tissue culture could be adopted.
DISCUSSION
Based on the initial establishment of M.bracteata since 1 June, 1991 in North Labis Estate, the following points of interest in relation to its cultivation and its reaction to environment is noted.
In
view of the low seed rate, the initial growth is comparatively slow
thus sowing together with Mucuna cochinchinesis for an initial
quick ground cover is advocated.
The
thick biomass is conducive to beneficial microbes e.g. Actinomycetes,
Tricoderma.
The
alleolopathic property of this cover plant should be further investigated.
The
high level of phenolic compounds deters insects and cattle.
As
it does not flower in the plains, its cultivation for seed purpose
should be attempted in the high ranges e.g. Cameron Highlands.
In
view of low success rate of stem cuttings, propagation by tissue
culture should be attempted.
There
is a need to determine an indigenous Rhizobium strain which further
promotes nitrogen fixation.
This
cover grows well on decayed organic matter, hence it would do well
in zero burn areas.
One
year after establishment of M.bracteata the only weed maintenance
required is regimented monthly circle weeding / spraying.
Its
drought resistance and shade tolerance is far superior to conventional
covers thus poses less of a fire hazard in the dry weather.
Its
deep root increase the fertility of surface soil by extracting nutrients
from deeper layer of soil and depositing them on the surface in the
form of organic matter.
At
the onset of second year of planting, M. bracteata dominated
the other conventional covers in growth and coverage.
Total
biomass is superior to that of Pueraria phaseoloides and Calopogonium
caeruleum.
The
significant quantities of litter, which decomposes comparatively slowly
attributes to longer period of uptake of nutrients.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author would like to thank Messrs Golden Hope Plantations for permission to publish this paper and Oil Palm Research Station, Banting for the analysis reports.
REFERENCES
CLOONAN, MJ (1963)
Black Nodules
Dolichos sp. Aust J Science, 26: 121
DUTTA, A C (1970)
Botany for Degree
Students. Bombay, Calcutta and Madras:
Oxford University Press. 289 pp.
HARTLEY, C W S (1977)
The Oil Palm.
West African Institute for Oil Palm
Research. London and New York:
Longman. 700pp.
KOTHANDRAM, R;
JACOB
MATHEW;
A R KRISHNAKUMAR;
KOCHURESIAMMA JOSEPH;
K
JAYARATHNAM &
M R SETHURAJ
(1989)
Comparative
efficiency of
M.bracteata D.C. and Pueraria
phaseoloides BENTH, on soil nutrient
enrichment, microbial population and
growth of Hevea. Short communications
Rubber Research Institute of India
published by Rubber Board India.
PUSPARAJAH E (1977)
Nutrition
and fertiliser use in Hevea and associated
covers in Peninsular Malaysia - A review.
J Rubb Rest Inst Sri Lanka, 54, 270-283.
TAN,
K H;
E
PUSPARAJAH,
R SHEPERD & TEOH CHENG HAI (1976)
Calopo-
gonium caeruleum a shade-tolerant legu-
minous cover for rubber. In Proceedings
of Planters' Conference 1976. pp. 45-67
WAHAB, M (1997) RRIM
Short
course on rubber planting and nursery technique.
Kuala Lumpur: Rubber Research Institute
of Malaysia. 170pp.
WYCHERLEY, PR (1963)
The range of cover
plants. Planters' Bulletin, 68: 117pp.
APPENDIX A
1 Current address, United Plantations Berhad, Jendarata Estate, 36009 Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia
E-mail : mathewsc@pl.jaring.my
* Published " The Planter",
Kuala Lumpur, 74 (860): 359 - 368 (1998)
 
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