Introduction
Vigna frutescens A.Rich. subsp. kotschyi (Schweinf.) Verdc. is a plant belonging to the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. Also known as cowpea or black-eyed pea, this plant is native to Africa and is commonly found throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Common Names
This plant is known by many common names in different parts of Africa. In Nigeria, it is commonly called akidi, agbara awusa, or ewa ibeji. In Cameroon, it is called njama-jama, while in Ghana it is called nkontomire. In other parts of Africa, it is known as cowpea, black-eyed pea, or China bean.
Uses
Vigna frutescens A.Rich. subsp. kotschyi is an important crop in many parts of Africa due to its high protein content and other nutritional values. It is commonly used in soups, stews, and other traditional African dishes. The beans can be eaten fresh or dried, and they are used to make flour, which is used in the preparation of porridge and other dishes. The leaves of this plant are also edible and are used in various dishes in Africa. In addition to its culinary uses, Vigna frutescens A.Rich. subsp. kotschyi is also used as a medicinal plant. Different parts of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and high blood pressure.
General Appearance
Vigna frutescens A.Rich. subsp. kotschyi is a climbing or trailing plant that can grow up to 3 meters in height. The leaves are trifoliate and the flowers are usually yellow or white. The pods are long and narrow, with each pod containing up to 12 seeds. The seeds are generally black or brown with a characteristic black "eye".
Light Requirements
Vigna frutescens subsp. kotschyi thrives best in sunny conditions. It requires a lot of sunlight to grow and produce flowers and fruits. Insufficient sunlight may cause the plant to have stunted growth or produce fewer yields. Therefore, it should be grown in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate both high and low temperatures but not extreme conditions. Temperatures below 15°C may affect the plant's growth and yield. When the temperatures are too high, this plant can survive in dry soil conditions.
Soil Requirements
This plant does well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity. The soil type can be sandy, loamy, or clay as long as it is well-drained. The recommended soil depth is about 30cm. The plant requires regular watering, but the soil must not be waterlogged as it can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Vigna frutescens A.Rich. subsp. kotschyi (Schweinf.) Verdc. is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate partial shade, although it grows best in full sun. This plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If grown from seeds, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting to help with germination.
Seedlings should be planted in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 – 7.5, and the soil should be kept moist until the plants are established. This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive for long periods without water, but it will not grow well under such conditions. Therefore, regular watering should be carried out, especially during the flowering season.
Watering Needs
Vigna frutescens A.Rich. subsp. kotschyi (Schweinf.) Verdc. requires regular watering, especially during the flowering period. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Additionally, overwatering can cause the plant to produce fewer flowers and even inhibit growth. Watering can be reduced during the winter months but should still be performed regularly.
Fertilization
Vigna frutescens A.Rich. subsp. kotschyi (Schweinf.) Verdc. is not a particularly demanding plant when it comes to fertilization. However, applying fertilizer, especially during the flowering and fruiting period, can enhance growth and improve the quality of the yield. A balanced fertilizer, with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10, can be applied during the growing season. Fertilizer should be applied at least 15 centimeters away from the base of the plant to avoid root burn.
Pruning
Vigna frutescens A.Rich. subsp. kotschyi (Schweinf.) Verdc. does not require much pruning. However, pruning can be carried out in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged wood, which will encourage the plant to produce new growth. Pinching off the tips of the branches can also promote bushier and more compact growth. Additionally, the plant can be pruned after the growing season to control its size and shape.
Propagation of Vigna frutescens A.Rich. subsp. kotschyi (Schweinf.) Verdc.
Vigna frutescens A.Rich. subsp. kotschyi (Schweinf.) Verdc., commonly known as Kotschy's cowpea, is a leguminous plant that is native to Africa. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to a height of 2 meters. Kotschy's cowpea is propagated through various methods, including seed, stem cuttings, and root cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The most common method of propagating Kotschy's cowpea is through seed. The seeds of the plant are often harvested from mature plants and stored for future propagation. Before planting the seeds, they are usually soaked in water overnight to soften the seed coat. The seeds are then planted in well-prepared soil at a depth of about 2 cm. Germination of the seeds usually occurs within 7-14 days after planting. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location once they are about 10 cm tall.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Kotschy's cowpea through stem cuttings involves taking a stem cutting from a mature plant and planting it in the soil. The stem cutting should be about 15 cm long and have several leaves on it. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in a moist, well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until roots start to form. Once sufficient roots have formed, the cutting can be removed from the soil and planted in its permanent location.
Propagation by Root Cuttings
Kotschy's cowpea can also be propagated through root cuttings. To do this, a section of the root from a mature plant is harvested and cut into sections of about 5 cm in length. The cuttings are then planted in a well-prepared soil mixture with the cut end facing downwards. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright location until roots start to form. Once sufficient roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Vigna frutescens A.Rich. subsp. kotschyi (Schweinf.) Verdc. is an important vegetable in many developing countries. However, proper management of diseases is essential to achieve good yields. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungus that causes leaf spots, stem blight, pod rot, and seed discoloration. To manage this disease, prevent oversaturation of the soil by providing good drainage. You can also apply fungicides during wet and humid weather conditions.
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is a disease caused by bacteria. It causes leaves to turn brown and wilt. To prevent this disease, use disease-free seeds, regularly remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of bacteria, and apply fungicides. Proper spacing of the plants also improves air circulation and reduces the likelihood of bacterial wilt.
Mosaic Virus
Mosaic virus is a viral disease that causes stunted growth and deformed leaves. To manage this disease, use virus-free seeds, control the population of aphids (vectors of the virus), and avoid working with the plants when they are wet to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pest Management
Like any other plants, Vigna frutescens A.Rich. subsp. kotschyi (Schweinf.) Verdc. can also be affected by pests. The following are some common pests that might affect the plant:
Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause yellowing, wilting, and decreased growth rate. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, encourage the presence of natural predators (like ladybugs), and remove infested parts of the plant.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny, slender insects that suck sap and cause leaves to turn brown and die. To manage thrips, use yellow sticky traps to monitor and catch them, apply insecticides, and remove infested leaves.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are chewing insects that can cause defoliation and decreased yield. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or use insecticides (organic or inorganic). Make sure to apply the insecticide during early stages of the plant’s growth to prevent the caterpillars from causing too much harm.
