Overview of Vicia hirsuta (L.) S.F. Gray
Vicia hirsuta (L.) S.F. Gray, also known by its common name hairy vetch, is a member of the Fabaceae family and is native to Europe and Asia. The plant is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant that is commonly used as a cover crop due to its soil-improving properties. It's also widely grown as a forage crop for livestock in many parts of the world.
General Appearance of Vicia hirsuta (L.) S.F. Gray
The plant grows up to 1 meter in height and has a prostrate or semi-erect growth habit. The stem is hairy and can be either smooth or branched. The leaves are pinnate, with small, oval-shaped leaflets that are slightly hairy. The flowers, which bloom from April to September, are pinkish-purple and are borne in racemes.
The fruit is a pod that is narrow, cylindrical, and slightly curved, and contains several dark brown to black seeds. Once the seeds ripen, the pod splits open, scattering the seeds.
Common Uses of Vicia hirsuta (L.) S.F. Gray
Hairy vetch has several uses, including as a cover crop and a forage crop. It's a popular cover crop because it has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, which is beneficial to the soil and surrounding crops. When the plant is incorporated into the soil, it releases the fixed nitrogen, improving soil fertility and reducing the need for additional nitrogen fertilizer in future crops.
As a forage crop, hairy vetch is high in protein and can be fed to livestock as hay, silage, or pasture. It's also used in crop rotations to break disease cycles and to reduce soil erosion and water runoff.
In addition to its agricultural uses, Vicia hirsuta (L.) S.F. Gray has also been used in traditional medicine as a diuretic and to treat liver and kidney diseases.
Light requirements
Vicia hirsuta grows best under direct sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. Exposure to sunlight is essential for its photosynthesis, leading to healthy growth and development.
Temperature requirements
This plant species can grow in a variety of soil temperatures but prefers relatively cool to warm temperatures. Optimum growth occurs at an average temperature of around 20°C (68°F), but it can tolerate temperatures ranging from 10-35°C (50-95°F). However, in extremely hot conditions, this plant may struggle to thrive and may need extra care and attention.
Soil requirements
The plant grows best in well-drained soils rich in organic matter, with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. However, it can also grow in a wide range of soils with different pH levels and textures, as it is extremely adaptable. Additionally, it can thrive in slightly acidic or alkaline soils, but it's crucial to keep the soil consistently moist to support healthy growth.
Overall, Vicia hirsuta is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of growth conditions. As long as the soil is kept moist, the plant receives direct sunlight, and the temperature is not too extreme, it will grow well and produce lush foliage.
Cultivation of Vicia hirsuta (L.) S.F. Gray
Vicia hirsuta, also known as hairy tare, is an annual and herbaceous plant widely grown as a forage crop and green manure. Cultivating this plant is reasonably easy and straightforward when the appropriate conditions are provided.
Watering Needs
Vicia hirsuta requires uniform and regular watering to thrive. The plant needs moisture during its vegetative stage, especially during its flowering period. However, waterlogging can lead to root rot, and thus, proper drainage is essential.
Fertilization
Applying high nitrogen fertilizer rates can enhance Vicia hirsuta growth and yield. The plant should be fertilized during its early vegetative growth stages to ensure proper nutrition. Phosphorous and potassium application may be unnecessary since the plant can extract these elements from the soil. Additionally, organic manure application can significantly improve soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning Vicia hirsuta isn't necessary since the plant is an annual crop and dies naturally after the growing season. However, cutting the plants before they produce seeds can be done to use the plant's residue as a mulch or green manure. This practice can help improve soil fertility and suppress weed growth.
Propagation of Vicia hirsuta
Vicia hirsuta, commonly known as hairy vetch or winter vetch, can be propagated using various methods. The plant belongs to the legume family and is an annual herbaceous plant that grows up to 60 cm tall. It is commonly used as a winter cover crop due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities and its ability to improve soil fertility and structure.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Vicia hirsuta is through seed propagation. The plant produces small, round seeds that are easy to store and sow. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil in fall or early spring. The soil should be well-drained and fertile for better germination and growth of the plant. The seeds can be broadcasted or drilled into the soil at a depth of 1-2 inches and spaced about 2-3 inches apart.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Vicia hirsuta is less common but can be done through cuttings or division. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings by taking a 4-8 inch long cutting from the plant's stem and planting it in well-drained soil. The cutting should be kept moist, and after a few weeks, it will produce roots and start to grow.
Division is also an option for propagating Vicia hirsuta, especially if you already have an established plant. The plant can be dug up and divided into smaller pieces, each with its root system. These smaller pieces can be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist until they start to grow.
Disease Management
Vicia hirsuta can be affected by various diseases, including powdery mildew, common bacterial blight, and Fusarium wilt. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, causing gradual yellowing and death. Common bacterial blight produces brown spots on the leaves and pods, leading to wilting and dryness. Fusarium wilt causes yellowing, wilting, and death of the plant, and it has no known cure.
To manage powdery mildew, keep the leaves dry and avoid watering the leaves. Additionally, prune infected leaves and provide adequate air circulation. Fungicides can also be used to control powdery mildew on Vicia hirsuta. For common bacterial blight, avoid planting in infected soil and remove infected plants promptly. Additionally, crop rotation can help reduce the incidence of bacterial blight in Vicia hirsuta. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Fusarium wilt; the best management practices are to prevent its spread through good sanitation and avoiding planting in infected soil.
Pest Management
Vicia hirsuta is susceptible to damage from various pests, including aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Aphids suck sap from the plant and cause stunting and yellowing. Thrips feed on V. hirsuta, leaving scars and discoloration on the leaves, while spider mites cause yellowing and browning of the leaves.
Aphids can be managed by introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which feed on aphids. Additionally, applying insecticidal soaps or oils can help control aphids. Thrips, on the other hand, require insecticides for control, and the use of pesticides should be done with care not to harm beneficial insects. Spider mites can be controlled through insecticidal sprays and by regularly washing the plants to remove dust that favors their breeding.
