Overview
Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy is a leguminous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant is commonly referred to as Narrow-leaved vetch. It is a winter annual that has its origin from western and northern regions of the Mediterranean Basin, Caucasus, and western Asia.
Description
Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata is a sprawling or climbing plant that can grow up to 50-60 cm in height. Its stem is usually slender and can be covered by hairs. The leaves of the plant are alternate, narrow, and lance-shaped, measuring between 4-7 cm in length. They have a bluish-green color and have a glabrous surface.
The flowers of Narrow-leaved vetch are arranged in loose clusters at the tip of the stem. Each flower has an irregular butterfly-like shape and has a whitish or pinkish color. They are about 1 cm long and are arranged in groups of two to four. The fruits of the plant are small pods that are oblong in shape and generally covered in hair. They contain two to four seeds each.
Common names
Narrow-leaved vetch is known by a variety of common names around the world, including Vicia angustifolia, Narrow-leaved Tare, Narrow-leaved vetchling, Lucerne-leaved vetch, narrow-leaved-purple vetch, and slender vetch.
Uses
Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata is commonly used in agriculture as a cover crop. It is also used for forage and as hay for animals. The plant is known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it useful in crop rotations. Additionally, the seeds of the plant are sometimes used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of health conditions.
Growth Conditions for Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy
Light: Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy prefers full sun or partial shade. The plant grows best with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it can tolerate some shade.
Temperature: Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy prefers cool to mild temperatures, with an optimal temperature range of 15-25°C (59-77°F). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F) and as high as 35°C (95°F), but growth may slow down at extreme temperatures.
Soil: Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy prefers well-draining, deep, and fertile soils. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils with pH range of 5.5-8.0. The plant can also tolerate saline soils with a salt concentration of up to 5%, although growth may be affected.
Cultivation methods
Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy, also known as narrow-leaved vetch, grows best in well-draining soils with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. It is a hardy plant that tolerates frost and drought, making it ideal for cultivation in areas with a cold climate. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings and should be planted in full sun or partial shade. It is recommended to sow the seeds during the spring season to ensure optimal growth and development.
Watering needs
The narrow-leaved vetch requires moderate watering throughout the growing season. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause stunted growth and reduced yield. It is recommended to water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil moisture content and weather conditions. It is important to avoid overhead watering to prevent the development of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is essential to ensure optimal growth and yield of Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio during the planting stage. Subsequently, the plant can be fertilized every two to three weeks with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage vegetative growth. It is important to avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced yield.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy. However, it is recommended to remove any dead or diseased foliage to promote healthy growth and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. The plant can also benefit from a light trim after the flowering stage to encourage branching and stimulate new growth. It is important to disinfect pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases between plants.
Propagation of Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy
Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy or narrow-leaved vetch is a perennial leguminous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is commonly distributed in Europe, Russia, and Asia. It is typically propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, root cuttings, and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method used for the propagation of Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy. The plant produces small, hard seeds that can be directly sowed in the soil during the fall season. The seeds should be sowed 1-2 inches deep in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Germination usually occurs within 7-10 days, and the plant can be transplanted to the permanent location after 6-8 weeks of growth.
Root Cuttings Propagation
Root cuttings propagation is another method that can be used for propagating Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy. Cuttings should be taken from roots during the fall season when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be about 3-4 inches long and should be planted horizontally in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Germination usually occurs within 3-4 weeks, and the plant can be transplanted to the permanent location after 6-8 weeks of growth.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is also possible for Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the plant during the spring season. The cuttings should be about 5-6 inches long and should be planted in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until roots develop. Once the roots develop, the plant can be transplanted to the permanent location after 6-8 weeks of growth.
Disease Management
Vicia angustifolia L. var. uncinata (Desv.) Rouy is prone to several diseases, including:
- Rust - Rust usually appears as yellow, orange, or reddish-brown pustules on the leaves. To manage rust, remove and dispose of infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
- Mold and Mildew - The powdery mildew and downy mildew are commonly observed on Vicia angustifolia var. uncinata. These fungal infections cause leaf damage and yellowing. The treatment involves spraying your plants with a mixture of baking soda and water or neem oil to control mildews on your phenology.
- Root Rot - The root rot is a fungus that lives in the soil and affects the plant's roots. Symptoms include wilting, discoloration, and decay of roots. To manage root rot, remove and destroy infected plants, avoid over-watering, and use well-draining soil mix.
- Bacterial Blight - This disease infected the plant foliage, leaves, and stem causing various damages that can be reduced with the help of various management practices. One technique to reduce bacterial blight is by using copper sprays or through the planting of resistant strains.
Pest Management
The following pests can attack Vicia angustifolia var. uncinata:
- Aphids - These small insects group under the leaves and stems of the plants, sucking out the fluids. They weaken the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. The treatment involves spraying your plants with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or sulfur spray.
- Spider Mites - These pests look like tiny spiders and create a web on the plant leaves. They feed on the plant, causing discoloration and distortion of leaves, and can kill the plant without treatment. To manage spider mites, spray the plants with insecticidal soap and neem oil, or wipe the leaves with a cloth.
- Cutworms - These pests cut the stem of a young plant from the base, killing the plant. To control cutworms, handpick them from the soil surface or use insecticides.
