Rice bean plant Rice bean flower Research on seedlings of different crops in India showed that rice bean has the highest growth efficiency and the lowest respiratory loss of seed reserves. The cultivars of rice beans are well adapted to practically the same areas as cowpeas. As a tropical crop, it is susceptible to frost, but tolerates high temperatures. As a short day legume, its flowering is only initiated when days are short. The agronomic practices that are to be followed for successful cultivation of rice bean vary with the agro-climatic conditions.
Rice bean grows well in hot and humid climates.
It has the ability to tolerate drought to some extent. Most of the existing varieties, whether indigenous or exotic, appear to be photosensitive. Generally the plant requires short day conditions to bloom. Even if crops are planted around mid-May, their flowers appear in normal time. The rice bean has a potential as a protein-rich pulse for human consumption, soil improvement and conservation, as a fodder for livestock and as a deterrent against soil erosion if used as a cover crop.