Origin
Vicia villosa Roth ssp. pseudocracca (Bertol.) Ball, commonly known as hairy vetch, is a plant species that is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and was first introduced to North America in the 1800s as a forage and cover crop.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as hairy vetch due to its long, soft hairs that cover its stems and leaves. Other common names include sand vetch, winter vetch, fodder vetch, and purple vetch.
Uses
Hairy vetch is primarily used as a cover crop to improve soil health and fertility by fixing nitrogen from the air into the soil. It is also used as a forage crop for livestock and can be used as a green manure crop to improve soil structure and suppress weeds. In addition, hairy vetch has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
General Appearance
Hairy vetch is a perennial plant that can grow up to 3 feet in height. Its leaves are composed of 10-20 leaflets that are oval to oblong in shape and covered in soft, fine hairs. The plant produces deep purple, pea-like flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. Hairy vetch has a deep, well-developed root system and can grow in a range of soil types and conditions.
Light Requirements
Vicia villosa Roth ssp. pseudocracca (Bertol.) Ball is a plant that grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires a minimum of 4-6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. If grown indoors, it needs to be placed near a bright and sunny window.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Vicia villosa Roth ssp. pseudocracca (Bertol.) Ball is between 60°F to 80°F. It can tolerate cold temperatures and can grow in zones 2-11. However, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Vicia villosa Roth ssp. pseudocracca (Bertol.) Ball grows well in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers a loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant does not do well in poorly drained soils or heavy soils with poor aeration. Adequate moisture is important, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation
Vicia villosa Roth ssp. pseudocracca (Bertol.) Ball prefers a well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 8.0. It can be cultivated in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate both hot and colder temperatures. The plant is heat and drought tolerant and can grow in most types of soil, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but avoid waterlogged soils.
Watering Needs
Water Vicia villosa Roth ssp. pseudocracca (Bertol.) Ball at least once a week or more frequently in hot and dry weather. Be careful not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. The best time to water the plant is early in the morning or in the evening to minimize water evaporation.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, every three to four weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers like compost or aged manure. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter months as it is dormant and does not require nutrients.
Pruning
Prune Vicia villosa Roth ssp. pseudocracca (Bertol.) Ball after flowering to encourage bushy growth and to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back the stems by about a third of their height, leaving a few leaves on each stem. If you want to control the plant's size, you can prune it back more severely in the winter months.
Propagation of Vicia villosa Roth ssp. pseudocracca (Bertol.) Ball
Vicia villosa Roth ssp. pseudocracca (Bertol.) Ball, commonly known as hairy vetch, can be propagated by various methods, such as seed, cuttings, and division of clumps.
Propagation through seed
The most common method of propagation for hairy vetch is through seeds. Collect seeds from mature plants and store them in a cool, dry place until ready to plant. Seeds should be sown in moist soil in the fall or early spring, and they will germinate within a week. Hairy vetch can self-seed and establish self-sustaining populations if left undisturbed.
Propagation through cuttings
Vicia villosa can also be propagated by taking cuttings from mature plants. Cuttings should be taken from the top of the plant and should be approximately 6-8 inches in length. Remove the bottom set of leaves and plant the cuttings in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings should root within a few weeks.
Propagation by division of clumps
To propagate hairy vetch by division, dig up mature plants and separate them into smaller clumps, making sure each clump has some roots attached. Replant the clumps in well-drained soil, spaced at least 6 inches apart. Keep the soil moist until the plants are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Vicia villosa Roth ssp. pseudocracca
Vicia villosa Roth ssp. pseudocracca, commonly known as hairy vetch, is a popular cover crop that greatly benefits the soil and other plants grown in rotation with it. However, like all plants, hairy vetch is susceptible to pests and diseases that can significantly damage crop yields. Here are some common diseases and pests of Hairy Vetch and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases of Vicia villosa Roth ssp. pseudocracca
Some common diseases that can affect Hairy Vetch are:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that infect the roots of the plants, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plants. Also, use pathogen-free soil and consider planting Hairy Vetch on elevated beds to promote good drainage.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation. It's caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in humid and warm conditions. To manage leaf spot, ensure adequate ventilation in the growing area, avoid overhead watering, and consider applying copper fungicides.
Common Pests of Vicia villosa Roth ssp. pseudocracca
Some common pests that can affect Hairy Vetch are:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of plants, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of leaves. To manage aphids, consider releasing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings. Also, consider applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Armyworms: These pests can cause significant damage by consuming the leaves and stems of Hairy Vetch. To manage armyworms, consider using natural predators like birds or releasing insect parasitic nematodes. Also, ensure good field sanitation by removing crop residues and weeds that can harbor the pests.
By practicing good cultural practices such as rotation and sanitation, proper watering and ventilation and applying pesticides and fungicides when necessary, farmers can effectively manage pests and diseases and ensure healthy and productive Hairy Vetch crops.
