Description of Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L.
Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L., commonly known as Narrow Leaf Vetch or Common Vetch, belongs to the Leguminosae family, and it is an annual herbaceous plant that is cultivated worldwide. The plant is a member of the Vicia genus, and it is closely related to other leguminous plants such as peas, lentils, and chickpeas.
Origin and Distribution
Common Vetch is believed to have originated in Western Asia and is now widely distributed throughout Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It was introduced to North America during the 17th century and is now considered a common weed in many parts of the continent.
General Appearance
Common Vetch is a trailing or climbing plant that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are composed of several small leaflets that are arranged in pairs along a central stem. The flowers are usually purple, but they can also be pink or white, and they grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a pod containing several small seeds.
Uses
Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L. has various uses in agriculture. It is grown as a cover crop to improve soil fertility, prevent soil erosion, and control weeds. It is also used as a forage crop for livestock and as a green manure crop to increase soil nitrogen. In addition, Common Vetch is an excellent food source for bees and other pollinators.
Apart from its agricultural uses, Common Vetch has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as arthritis, coughs, and respiratory problems.
However, it should be noted that all parts of the plant contain high levels of L-canavanine, which can be toxic when consumed in large quantities. Therefore, caution must be taken when using Common Vetch for medicinal purposes.
Light Requirements
Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L. grows best in full sunlight. It is a sun-loving plant that requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow optimally. Insufficient light can lead to weak and spindly growth, while excess light can result in leaf burn and other stress-related problems.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in moderate temperatures of 15°C - 25°C. It can tolerate mild frost but is sensitive to extreme cold and heat. Protracted heatwave and low humidity can cause yield loss, wilting of leaves, and stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L. prefers a well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soil (pH of 6-7). It grows best in soils rich in organic matter and nutrients. The plant does not tolerate waterlogging, and poorly drained soils can lead to the development of root rot, impacting plant vigor and yield. Adding organic matter, such as compost, to the soil before planting can improve soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation of Vicia Sativa L. var. Angustifolia L.
Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L. is commonly known as narrowleaf vetch. The plant is an excellent cover crop and is used for forage production. It is an annual plant that can be sown in the spring or fall. The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
The plant can be sown directly into the soil using a seed drill or broadcast seeder. The seed should be sown at a depth of 1 to 2 inches and should be spaced 2 to 3 inches apart.
Watering Needs
The plant requires adequate moisture during the germination stage. After germination, the plant can tolerate some drought, but it is best to keep the soil consistently moist to promote optimum growth. The plant requires approximately 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
Fertilization
Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L. is a legume and can fix its nitrogen from the atmosphere. However, it is beneficial to provide the plant with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. The recommended rate of phosphorus and potassium is 50 to 60 pounds per acre. The application of fertilizers should be done before planting.
Pruning
Narrowleaf vetch does not require pruning, but it is advisable to mow the plant down to a height of 4-6 inches before it starts to flower. Mowing will encourage the plant to produce more shoots and improve the yield of the crop.
Propagation of Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L.
Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L., also known as narrow-leaved vetch or common vetch, is a nitrogen-fixing legume crop commonly used in forage production and as cover crop. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L. is through seed propagation. The seeds are usually sown directly into the ground during the fall or spring. Before sowing, the seeds are soaked in water for a few hours to soften the hard seed coat and promote germination. The seeds are then sown at a depth of 1-2 inches, depending on the soil type and moisture level. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 50-68°F (10-20°C).
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L. can be done through stem cuttings or layering. Stem cuttings are taken from mature plants during the growing season and rooted in a moist rooting medium. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long with at least 2 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in a mix of sand and peat moss. The cutting should be kept moist and placed in a shaded area until roots develop. After rooting, the cutting can be transplanted to the desired location.
Layering is another method of vegetative propagation, in which a low-growing stem is pinned to the ground and covered with soil. The stem will form roots at the nodes, and a new plant will develop. Once the new plant has developed its own roots, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management for Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L.
The following are common diseases that may affect Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L.:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease typically manifests as dark brown or black spots on the leaves and stem. Infected leaves may become distorted or fall prematurely. To manage anthracnose, infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Apply a copper-based fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Rust: Rust appears as orange or reddish-brown pustules on the underside of the leaves. Leaves may yellow and fall prematurely. To control rust, remove infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Apply a fungicide containing chlorothalonil to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Sclerotinia stem rot: This fungal disease can cause significant yield loss, particularly in wet years. Infected plants may have a white mold on the lower stem and roots. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed. Crop rotation and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilizer can help prevent the disease.
Pest Management for Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L.
The following are common pests that may affect Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L.:
- Aphids: These small green or black insects suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to become distorted and stunted. To manage aphids, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective.
- Cutworms: These larvae feed on the stem of young plants, often causing them to die. To manage cutworms, handpick them off the plants or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray.
- Bean beetles: These small beetles chew holes in leaves and feed on pods, causing significant damage to the crop. To manage bean beetles, handpick them off the plants early in the season. Apply a natural pesticide such as pyrethrin or spinosad to control a severe infestation.
