Overview
Vigna micrantha Chiov., also known as cowpea or small-flowered cowpea, is a legume plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that is commonly found in Africa and Madagascar. This plant is a close relative of the more popular cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, which is also widely cultivated as a food crop.
Description
Vigna micrantha Chiov. is a finely branched plant that can grow up to 1-2 meters in height. It produces small, oval-shaped leaves that have pointed tips and are hairy on the underside. The small flowers are pink-purple in color and grow in clusters on long stalks. The plant also produces small, curved pods that contain the seeds.
Common Names
Vigna micrantha Chiov. is commonly known as cowpea, small-flowered cowpea, and Madagascar cowpea. In Africa, it is also known as "nlege" in Nigeria and "nalam" in Sudan.
Uses
Vigna micrantha Chiov. is primarily used as a forage crop for livestock and a green manure crop for soil improvement. The plant is also used as a traditional medicine. In Nigeria, the leaves are used to treat fever and diarrhea. The plant is also consumed as a vegetable in some African countries. The seeds are edible and can be ground into flour for making porridge and soups. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow well in poor soils, making it an ideal crop for subsistence farmers in arid areas.
Light Requirements
Vigna micrantha Chiov. requires plenty of sunlight for optimal growth and development. It should be planted in a location where it can receive at least 6 - 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can thrive in warm temperatures ranging from 20 - 35°C. It cannot withstand frost or temperatures below 10°C. Therefore, it should be planted in a warm and protected area.
Soil Requirements
Vigna micrantha Chiov. thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. The ideal pH range is between 5.5 - 7.5. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy or clay soils, as long as they are well-draining.
Cultivation Methods for Vigna micrantha Chiov.
Vigna micrantha Chiov. is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soils. However, it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires full sun and can tolerate high temperatures. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. If planting from seed, it is best to sow in the spring after the last frost. Seedlings should be spaced 6-8 inches apart.
Watering Needs for Vigna micrantha Chiov.
Vigna micrantha Chiov. requires regular watering to ensure healthy growth. It is important not to over-water the plant as this can lead to root rot. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. It is best to water deeply once a week rather than frequent shallow watering. During periods of dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization for Vigna micrantha Chiov.
Vigna micrantha Chiov. benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every four weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring. Over-fertilization should be avoided as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning for Vigna micrantha Chiov.
Vigna micrantha Chiov. does not require regular pruning, but occasional trimming can help to promote a bushier growth pattern. Pruning can be done in the early spring before new growth appears. Any dead or damaged branches should be removed, and the plant can be shaped as desired. Regular deadheading of spent flowers can also help to promote continued flowering.
Propagation of Vigna micrantha Chiov.
Vigna micrantha Chiov. can be propagated through seed or vegetative methods such as cuttings or layering.
Seed Propagation
For seed propagation, the seeds must first be scarified. This can be done by soaking the seeds in hot water for several hours or by nicking the seed coat with a sharp knife. After scarification, the seeds can be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate. Germination can take up to three weeks, but usually occurs within 7-10 days.
Cutting Propagation
To propagate V. micrantha using cuttings, take stem cuttings from a healthy plant and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a warm, bright location and mist the cuttings frequently until they begin to root, which may take several weeks.
Layering Propagation
V. micrantha can also be propagated through layering. Choose a healthy stem and gently scarify the bark where you want the roots to form. Bury the scarified portion of the stem in soil, either by creating a mound around the buried section or by planting it in a separate container. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light. Roots should begin to form within a few weeks.
Regardless of the method used, it is important to keep newly propagated plants in a warm, humid environment until they are established. Once established, they can be gradually acclimated to their final growing conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Vigna micrantha Chiov.
Vigna micrantha Chiov. is a type of legume that is commonly affected by various diseases and pests. To ensure a healthy and sustainable yield, it is essential to implement proper disease and pest management practices. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken spots on leaves, stems, and pods. To manage this disease, remove and destroy affected plant parts, maintain proper plant spacing for good air circulation, and employ fungicides.
Mosaic Virus: This viral disease causes yellowing, stunted growth, and distorted pods. To manage this disease, remove infected plants and control aphids, which are the primary vectors of the virus.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease forms a white, powdery coating on leaves, which eventually leads to leaf yellowing and drop. To manage this disease, employ fungicides and ensure proper plant spacing and watering schedules.
Pests
Aphids: These insects feed on the plant sap, leading to stunted growth and the transmission of viruses. To manage them, employ insecticides, introduce natural predators, or use crop rotation.
Bean Beetles: These insects feed on plant leaves, stems, and pods, leading to defoliation and poor yield. To manage them, remove affected plant parts, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and use insecticides as a last resort.
Cutworms: These caterpillars feed on the plant stem, leading to stem breakage and death. To manage them, handpick the caterpillars at night, use barrier materials like cardboard collars around the base of the plant, and employ natural predators like birds.
By implementing proper disease and pest management practices, you can ensure a healthy and productive yield of Vigna micrantha Chiov. Always follow the recommended guidelines for pesticide and fungicide use, and employ organic and natural methods whenever possible.
