Sword bean (Canavalia gladiata)
There are two types of sword bean based on seed colour. White seeded (Jack bean) varieties are bushy in nature whereas red seeded (sword bean ) varieties are trailed over pandals. Pole type varieties are to be planted at a spacing of 4 x 3 m whereas bush type varieties are to be planted at 60 x 60 cm. May-June and September-October are the usual sowing time and the seed rate followed is one or two seeds per pit. FYM is applied at the rate of 5 t/ha. The N: P2O5: K2O mixture (7:10:5) may be applied as basal dose and top dressing at several splits. There is no serious pest or disease incidence in the crop. Average yield is 10-15 kg per plant.