Overview
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. is a plant species in the family Fabaceae. It is also commonly known as cowpea, bambalan, or hapalantha. The plant is native to Africa and is mainly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the continent.
Description
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. is a perennial climbing plant that grows up to 2.5 metres in length. It has long stems with alternate leaves that are trifoliate. The flowers are usually small and white and can be found in clusters. The pods are slender and can grow up to 20 cm long. Seeds are small-ellipsoid with beige to light brown coat. The roots are generally short and thick, and can reach up to 60 cm in length.
Uses
In Africa, Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. is mainly used as a vegetable for human consumption, and also as a fodder plant for livestock. Seeds are consumed after boiling or roasting, in soups or stews, or after drying and milling into flour. The leaves and young shoots of the plant are consumed as a vegetable in a similar manner to spinach. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat a variety of ailments, such as diarrhea, dysentery, worm infestations, and as a diuretic. Additionally, some ethnic groups in Africa use the leaves and pod husks for making baskets and other household items.
Light Requirements
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. requires full sunlight exposure for approximately 6-8 hours a day. Insufficient sunlight or shade can lead to stunted growth, decreased yield or failure to flower. Therefore, it is advisable to plant the Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. in an open area free from shade.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth and development of Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. is between 25-30°C. The species is sensitive to frost, therefore, it is recommended to plant the crop after the frost season has passed. Furthermore, Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. can survive in high-temperature conditions up to 35°C provided there is adequate water supply.
Soil Requirements
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. does well in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. It is tolerant of various soil types such as sandy loam, clay loam or red loam soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should have good water-holding capacity. It is recommended to add manure or compost to the soil before planting the crop. The soil should be well-prepared by ploughing, harrowing and levelling the land before sowing the seeds.
Cultivation Methods
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. prefers warm and humid climatic conditions for growth. It is best grown in well-drained, sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal for this plant. It requires full sunlight and should be planted in a place that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best time for planting is during the rainy season.
Watering Needs
The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not water-logged. Over-watering or under-watering can negatively affect its growth. It is best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperatures are cooler, as this helps to reduce water loss due to evaporation. The water should be applied at the base of the plant and not on the leaves to prevent foliar diseases.
Fertilization
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. requires regular fertilization for optimal growth. The plant should be fertilized every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Additionally, organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can be applied to the soil to enrich it with essential nutrients.
Pruning
The plant requires regular pruning to promote branching and bushier growth. This should be done after the plant has finished flowering and before the onset of the rainy season. The pruning should be done using sterilized pruning instruments to prevent the spread of diseases. The branches that are diseased or damaged should be removed completely, while those that are healthy but overgrown should be pruned back to a third of their length. This helps to promote the growth of new shoots and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the plant.
Propagation of Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc.
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. However, seed propagation is the most common and preferred method due to its high success rate.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. should be collected from mature and healthy plants. The collected seeds should be thoroughly cleaned and dried under shade. Afterward, the seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until it is time for planting.
Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in cold water for 24 hours to break dormancy. After soaking, the seeds should be planted in well-drained soil at a depth of about 2-3 cm. The soil should be kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes about 1-2 weeks.
The seedlings should be regularly watered and fertilized to promote healthy growth. After about 4-5 months, the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location or container.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation of Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. is possible but not commonly practiced. The propagation method involves taking stem cuttings from mature and healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least 2-3 nodes.
The cuttings should be immediately planted in well-drained soil and kept moist until root formation occurs, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks. The newly rooted plants should be regularly watered and fertilized to promote healthy growth. After about 4-5 months, the plants can be transplanted to their permanent location or container.
Disease Management
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. is prone to various diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this disease, use resistant varieties of the plant and practice crop rotation. Avoid planting the same crop or related crops in the same area for two or more consecutive years.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It causes the plant to wilt, and the leaves turn yellow. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Practice good sanitation and avoid over-crowding the plants.
Pest Management
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc. is also prone to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The following are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl, yellow, and eventually die. To manage this pest, remove them physically by hand or use a strong spray of water to dislodge them from the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if the infestation is severe.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny, flying insects that suck the sap from the plant, leaving white spots on the leaves. To manage this pest, remove infested leaves and destroy them. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to the area.
Proper disease and pest management is essential to maintaining the health and productivity of Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. hapalantha (Harms) Verdc.. Regular inspection and monitoring of the plants can help detect any signs of disease or pest infestation early, allowing for prompt action to be taken to manage the problem.
