Origin of Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc.
Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc. belongs to the family Fabaceae and is native to the Eastern and Central African region.
Common Names for Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc.
Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc. is commonly known as Uluguru cowpea, cowpea, or uluguru bean in English. The Swahili people call it njahi or njegere.
Uses of Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc.
Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc. is a staple food in many African countries, especially in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. The plant is highly nutritious and is a good source of protein, iron, and vitamins. The beans are usually cooked and consumed as a vegetable or mixed with other foods such as cassava, maize, or rice. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as stomach upsets, convulsions, and diarrhea.
Appearance of Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc.
Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc. is a climbing or trailing herbaceous plant that grows up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are trifoliate with ovate leaflets that measure 3-5 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. The flowers are borne in axillary and terminal racemes that can be up to 25 cm long. The pods are narrow and can grow up to 10 cm long and contain 6-11 seeds.
Growth Conditions of Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc.
Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc. is a legume species that is native to Tanzania. The plant is commonly found in savannah woodland areas and is known to grow well under specific growth conditions.
Light Requirements
Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc. requires full sun exposure to grow well. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to facilitate photosynthesis. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in areas with no shade or partial shade for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species grows well in warm tropical or subtropical regions with temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius may result in stunted growth or death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc. grows in well-draining soils and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. The soil should be moderately fertile, moist, and rich in organic matter. The recommended soil pH ranges between 5.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth. The addition of compost or organic fertilizers can improve soil fertility, leading to better yields.
Cultivation Methods
Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc. can be grown in both tropical and subtropical regions. The ideal temperature for its growth is between 25°C-35°C with relative humidity between 60%-80%. The plant requires well-drained soils with pH levels between 5.5-7.5. It can be propagated through seeds and should be sown directly in the field at a depth of 3-5 cm. The best season for sowing is during the rainy season. The plant requires support for upright growth, and the use of bamboo sticks or trellis is recommended.
Watering Needs
Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc. requires adequate water supply for growth and development. It should be watered regularly during the growing season to maintain soil moisture. The plant should be irrigated once a week during dry periods. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization for optimal growth and yield. Organic manure or compost should be applied to the soil before planting. Nitrogen-based fertilizers should be applied in split doses during the growing season. Phosphorus and potassium-based fertilizers should be applied at the time of flowering to encourage flower and pod formation.
Pruning
Pruning should be done regularly to maintain the shape and size of the plant. The lateral branches should be pruned to the first node to encourage vertical growth. Dead and diseased leaves, shoots, and pods should be removed to prevent the spread of diseases. The pruning should be done during the dormant period or after the harvest season.
Propagation of Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc.
Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc. is a legume species that can be propagated through different methods, including:
Seed propagation
The most common propagation method for Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc. is seed propagation. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground, or in seed trays filled with soil. The seeds should be planted 2-3 cm deep, and the soil should be kept moist throughout the germination period. Germination usually takes 7-10 days.
Cuttings
Another propagation method that can be used for Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc. is through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from young and healthy stems, and treat them with rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cuttings in a rooting medium made of sand and peat moss, and keep them in a warm and humid environment until roots develop.
Grafting
Grafting is another possible propagation method for Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis (Harms) Verdc. This method involves joining a scion (a piece of the plant that is to be propagated) with a rootstock (a plant that will provide the root system for the propagated plant). The two parts are joined together and wrapped to heal and grow together. Once the graft has healed, the plant can be transplanted into the ground.
Disease Management
Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis is prone to several diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease is characterized by circular spots with dark margins and tan centers on leaves, pods, and stems. It can be managed by avoiding high humidity and leaf wetness, crop rotation, and use of resistant cultivars.
- Mosaic Viruses: These viruses cause mottling and yellowing of leaves, stunting, and reduced yield. Prevention can be achieved through the use of disease-free seeds, removal of infected plants, and control of aphids which are the vectors of the viruses.
- Rust: Rust appears as yellow, orange or reddish pustules on the undersides of leaves. It can be prevented by keeping the field weed-free, as weeds can harbor the fungus, and use of resistant cultivars.
Pest Management
Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis can also be affected by a few pests. Common pests include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, causing wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with soap solution or insecticides.
- Leafhoppers: These insects also suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing, browning, and curling of leaves. They can be managed by avoiding excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer, as it attracts leafhoppers, and by spraying the plant with insecticides.
- Bean beetles: Bean beetles are small, brownish-black insects that feed on the leaves and pods of the plant. They can be managed by handpicking and destroying the beetles, and by using insecticides.
It is important to continually monitor Vigna friesiorum Harms var. ulugurensis for signs of disease or pest infestation. Early detection and appropriate management practices can prevent significant damage and yield loss.
