Overview
Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. is a plant species belongs to the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. It is an annual legume crop that is extensively cultivated in many parts of the world, especially in the Middle East and North Africa, as a food and fodder crop. It has several common names, including bitter vetch, ervil, and winter vetch.
Description
The bitter vetch is a small, herbaceous plant that grows up to 50 cm in height. It has a branched stem and compound leaves with leaflets arranged in pairs. The plant produces small, bluish-purple flowers that develop into narrow, cylindrical pods containing one or two seeds. The seeds are medium-sized, brownish-red, slightly curved, and wrinkled on the surface.
Origin
Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. has a long history of cultivation, and its origin is uncertain. It is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated in Egypt and Syria since ancient times. It was also grown by the Greeks and Romans and is mentioned in their literature and medical texts. Today, it is cultivated in many parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Uses
The bitter vetch has many uses. It is primarily grown as a fodder crop for livestock. The plant is high in protein and has a high nutritional value, making it an excellent feed for animals. The seeds can also be eaten by humans, although they are bitter and require soaking and cooking before consumption. The plant has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, such as coughs and respiratory problems. Additionally, the bitter vetch is used as a cover crop to enhance soil fertility and prevent soil erosion.
Growth Conditions of Vicia Ervilia (L.) Willd.
Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd., commonly known as bitter vetch, is a cool-season legume crop that thrives well in the Mediterranean region. Understanding its growth conditions is vital for successful cultivation, and includes the following elements:
Light Requirements
Vicia ervilia requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth and development. Therefore, it is recommended to plant them in an open or partially shaded area where they can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for the growth of Vicia ervilia is between 15°C to 20°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 30°C can have a significant impact on the development of this crop. It is a winter crop and can tolerate low temperatures and frost.
Soil Requirements
For best results, Vicia ervilia requires well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Poorly drained soils can lead to root rot and hinder plant growth. The crop can also grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, silty, and clayey soils.
It is important to avoid saline or alkaline soils since it can reduce the growth of Vicia ervilia, and its high tolerance for low rainfall makes it suitable for growing on marginal soils in arid regions.
Conclusion
Vicia ervilia is a hardy crop with minimal requirements for growth. Full sunlight, optimum temperature range, and well-drained, fertile soil are critical for successful cultivation. Understanding the growth conditions can guide farmers on how to create ideal conditions and maximize yields.
Cultivation methods for Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd.
Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. is an annual legume that thrives in temperate environments. It can grow in a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained, loamy soil. The plant can be grown in both open fields and greenhouses.
For field cultivation, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil in early spring or late autumn. The seeds should be planted 2-3 cm deep and 15-20 cm apart. For greenhouse cultivation, seeds can be started in trays before transplanting them into larger containers or directly into the ground.
Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. requires full sun exposure and should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. It is essential to ensure that the plants are protected from strong winds as they can easily get damaged due to their thin stems.
Watering needs for Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd.
Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. requires regular watering to grow well. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is recommended to water the plants deeply once or twice a week instead of watering them frequently in small amounts.
The best time to water the plants is early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not too hot. Avoid watering the plants during the heat of the day as it can damage the leaves and cause them to wilt.
Fertilization for Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd.
Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. benefits from well-balanced fertilization. An all-purpose fertilizer can be used as a soil amendment during planting, and a nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to stimulate vegetative growth. Fertilizers should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent overfertilization, which can lead to plant damage.
The use of organic fertilizers such as compost and well-rotted animal manure is highly recommended as they provide essential nutrients to the plants while improving soil health and fertility.
Pruning Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd.
Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. does not require regular pruning. However, it is essential to remove any damaged or diseased leaves or stems as soon as they appear to prevent further spread of the disease. Deadheading can be done to promote continuous blooming and prevent seed production, which can weaken the plant.
At the end of the growing season, the plants should be cut back to the ground to prepare them for the next growing season.
Propagation of Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd.
Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. is a hardy annual crop that is commonly used as a forage legume. It is grown in regions with low rainfall as a drought-tolerant crop and can be propagated through different methods, which include:
Direct Seeding
Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. can be propagated through direct seeding, where the seed is planted directly into the soil without prior storage or treatment. Direct seeding is often done in the fall or early spring, and the seedlings emerge after two to three weeks, depending on the environmental conditions.
Transplanting
Transplanting is another propagation method that can be used to propagate Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. This method involves raising the seedlings in a nursery before transplanting them to the field. The seedlings are often transplanted when they have two to four leaves and can be spaced at intervals of 10-15 cm in rows 30-40 cm apart.
Root Cutting
Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. can also be propagated through root cuttings. However, this method is not commonly used because wild populations of the species often produce only a few roots. If root cutting is used, it should be done during the dormant season, and the cuttings should be about 7.5 cm long.
Cultivation and Maintenance
Once Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. is propagated using any of the above methods, it requires good soil preparation and maintenance. The crop should be grown in well-drained soils and requires enough water for the first two months of growth. After which the crop can tolerate drought. Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth and development.
Weeding is essential in the early growth stages of Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. since the crop is susceptible to competition from weeds. Also, adding organic fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season can promote vigorous growth, which can be beneficial for achieving higher yields.
Disease Management
Vicia ervilia, also known as bitter vetch, is prone to several diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Downy mildew
Downy mildew is a fungal disease that appears as yellowish patches on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to use disease-free seeds and maintain proper plant hygiene. Avoid overhead irrigation and wetting the foliage, and use fungicides if necessary.
Fusarium wilt
Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. Use disease-free seeds and practice crop rotation. Avoid over-watering and over-fertilization as these may increase the severity of the disease. Fungicides can also be used as a preventive measure.
Pest Management
Vicia ervilia is also susceptible to several pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids feed on the sap of the plant and cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage aphids, monitor the plant regularly and remove infested leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing discoloration and bronzing. To manage spider mites, maintain proper plant hygiene by removing weeds and debris around the plants. Use a strong stream of water to wash off the mites, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can keep your Vicia ervilia plants healthy and productive throughout the growing season.
