Origin
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc. is a plant species of the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae). This plant is native to Africa, specifically in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo and Mali. It is commonly found in the savannah woodland and forest-savannah transitions in the region.
Common Names
This plant has several common names depending on the region. In Nigeria, it is known as "Akidi enu," while in Ghana, it is called "Kpalengi" or "Mudange." In Mali, it is referred to as "Bagale," while in Togo, it is known as "Adashesha."
Uses
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc. is a plant with multiple uses. The seeds of this plant serve as a protein source and are consumed in several African countries. They are often cooked with spices, salt, and oil and served as a side dish with rice or yam-based dishes. The seeds of this plant are also used to make a paste which is eaten with cassava or yam.
Aside from its use as a food source, Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc. has been used for medicinal purposes. The leaves of this plant have analgesic properties and are used to relieve pain. Additionally, the roots of this plant are used to treat headaches, fever, and sore throat.
General Appearance
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc. is a climbing perennial plant that can grow up to 4 meters tall. It has a slender stem with tendrils that enable it to climb and attach itself to nearby structures. The leaves are trifoliate and have a lanceolate shape. The flowers are purple or pink and are borne in clusters. The fruit of this plant is a cylindrical pod that is around 10-15 cm long and contains up to 10 seeds.
Light Requirements
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc. is a plant that requires a lot of sunlight to thrive. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to grow well. It is best to place the plant in a south-facing window to ensure that it gets enough light. If grown outdoors, it should be planted in an area that receives full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm and humid temperatures to grow well. It can tolerate temperatures between 20-35°C, but it prefers temperatures between 25-30°C. The minimum temperature that the plant can tolerate is around 15°C. It is important to keep the plant away from cold drafts as it can harm the growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH of around 5.5-7.0. It is best to mix the soil with compost and perlite to improve drainage and aeration. The plant can grow in sandy or loamy soils, but it does not grow well in heavy clay soils. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not soaking wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot and cause damage to the plant.
Cultivation methods
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc. is an annual plant that grows in warm and humid areas. It requires well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant requires full or partial sunlight and needs to be protected from strong winds. It can be grown from seeds, and the planting season varies depending on the climate zones.
Watering needs
The plant needs frequent watering when it is young, and the soil should be consistently moist. However, it should not be over-watered as it could lead to root rot. Once the plant has established, it can tolerate periods of drought. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the cooler months.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization during the growing season for optimum growth. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium of 10:10:10 is ideal. The fertilizer should be applied at planting time and then every four to six weeks during the growing season. The quantity of the fertilizer should be adjusted according to the soil quality and the plant's age.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc. unless you want to control its size or shape. If pruning is necessary, it should be done after the plant has finished flowering. Only a small amount of pruning should be carried out as the plant does not respond well to drastic pruning. Remove any dead or damaged foliage to prevent the spread of infections.
Propagation of Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc.
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc. can be propagated through seeds, stems, and cuttings. The following are the different methods of propagation.
Propagation through seeds:
Seeds of Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc. can be sown directly into the soil. Before sowing, the seeds must be soaked in water for 24 hours. After soaking, the seeds can be sown in a well-drained soil mixture. The seeds should be covered with a layer of soil, and the soil should be kept moist until germination occurs. Germination usually occurs within two to four weeks. The plant can also be grown indoors in pots or containers until it reaches a suitable size for transplantation.
Propagation through stem cuttings:
Propagation of Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc. through stem cuttings is also possible. Cuttings should be taken from healthy branches with a sharp and sterilized cutting tool. The cuttings should be at least 10 cm long and should be taken from the current season's growth. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mixture and kept in a suitable environment with sufficient light and moisture until they develop roots.
Propagation through root cuttings:
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc. can also be propagated through root cuttings. The roots should be dug up during the dormant season. Root cuttings should be at least 6 cm long, and the tops of the cuttings should be beveled so that they can be distinguished from the bottoms. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mixture and kept in a suitable environment with sufficient light and moisture until they develop roots.
Propagation through seeds, stem cuttings, and root cuttings are viable methods for propagating Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc. with proper care. It is important to follow the appropriate steps and maintain a suitable environment for healthy propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Vigna Membranacea A.Rich. subsp. Macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc.
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. macrodon (Robyns & Boutique) Verdc., commonly known as cowpea or catjang, is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Disease management is important to maintain plant health and ensure a good yield.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting cowpea is anthracnose, caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Symptoms include circular spots on leaves and pods that turn dark brown with time, leading to premature defoliation and yield loss. Crop rotation, planting resistant varieties, and using fungicides are effective management strategies for anthracnose.
Another significant disease in cowpea is bacterial blight, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola. Symptoms include water-soaked lesions on leaves, pods, and stems, which turn brown with time. Infected plants may also produce fewer flowers and pods. Crop rotation, resistant varieties, and copper-based sprays are effective controls for bacterial blight.
Fungal pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani can also cause root rot in cowpea, leading to plant wilting, yellowing, and death. Soil fumigation, crop rotation, and seed treatment with fungicides are effective in managing root rot.
Pests
Cowpea is susceptible to several pests, including aphids, thrips, and spider mites. These pests feed on plant sap, leading to stunted growth and deformed leaves. Additionally, cowpea weevils are a significant pest that can cause damage to seeds, resulting in reduced yield.
To manage these pests, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which combine cultural, biological, and chemical controls, are recommended. Cultural controls include crop rotation, plant spacing, and maintaining plant health. Biological controls involve the use of natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest populations. Chemical controls, such as insecticides, should be a last resort and used judiciously to avoid pest resistance and harm to non-target organisms.
Overall, a combination of disease-resistant varieties, crop rotation, and IPM is recommended for effective disease and pest management in cowpea cultivation.
