General Description
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc. is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family and is also called the sharp-leaved cowpea. It is a sub-species of Vigna parkeri and is native to West Africa.
Appearance
The sharp-leaved cowpea has a slender and prostrate stem that can grow up to 2 meters in length. The leaves are green, trifoliate, and have sharp tips, giving the plant its common name. The flowers are small and white or purplish in color and are followed by small, long pods that contain the legumes.
Uses
The sharp-leaved cowpea is an important crop plant in many countries, including Africa and South America. It is consumed as a food source and is an essential source of protein, fiber, and minerals. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various illnesses.
Farmers also grow this plant as a cover crop as it helps to improve soil fertility. Moreover, the plant is resilient to drought conditions, making it an ideal crop for areas with low rainfall.
Common Names
The sharp-leaved cowpea is called different names in different regions. In Nigeria, it is called "Akidi," while in Ghana, it is called "Ako Mafli" or "Nyoule." In Brazil, it is known as "feijão-caupi de folha fina."
Light Requirements
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc. grows best in full sun exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce healthy and abundant crops. However, in extremely hot regions, it may benefit from some light shade during the hottest parts of the day to avoid leaf scorching and wilting.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species thrives in a warm and humid climate with an average temperature range of 22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can slow down growth and cause stress, which can increase the likelihood of pest infestations and diseases. On the other hand, temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F) can decrease the production of flowers and fruits.
Soil Requirements
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc. prefers well-drained, fertile, and organic-rich soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be loose, deep, and crumbly to allow optimal root development and water penetration. The plant can tolerate sandy or loamy soils, but it requires good moisture retention capacity to prevent wilting and stunted growth. It is also recommended to avoid highly saline or alkali soils, which can damage the roots and reduce nutrient uptake.
Cultivation Methods for Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc.
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc. is a warm-season crop that grows well in tropical and sub-tropical regions. It requires a well-drained soil mix that is rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.5. It can be grown in a range of soil types, but it thrives best in loamy soils with good water holding capacity.
The crop can be sown directly in the field or in containers for later transplanting. For direct sowing, seeds are sown at a depth of 2-3 cm with a spacing of 30-45 cm between rows and 10-15 cm between plants. For transplants, seeds are sown in containers, and seedlings are transplanted when they are about 3-4 weeks old, with a spacing of 20-30 cm between plants.
Watering Needs for Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc.
Regular watering is required for the growth and development of Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc. The crop prefers consistent moisture levels and therefore, irrigation is necessary during drought periods. The water requirements of the plant will vary depending on the soil type, weather conditions, and growth stage of the crop.
Generally, the crop requires about 2-3 cm of water per week during the vegetative stage and about 4-5 cm of water per week during the flowering and pod formation stages. The water should be applied slowly and evenly to allow the soil to absorb the water and prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization of Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc.
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc. requires a balanced fertilizer application to ensure adequate nutrient supply for the growth and development of the plant. The fertilizer should be applied at the time of planting and during the growth stages of the crop.
A general recommendation for fertilizer application in Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc. is to apply 50-60 kg/ha of Nitrogen during planting and 50-60 kg/ha of Phosphorus and Potassium during flowering and pod formation stages. However, the actual fertilizer requirement may vary depending on the soil fertility status, soil type, and crop management practices.
Pruning of Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc.
Pruning is not necessary for Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc. However, in some cases, pruning can be beneficial to control the growth of the plant and improve airflow, which helps to reduce the risk of diseases.
If pruning is required, it should be done during the early vegetative stage of the crop. The excess growth can be trimmed off, leaving only the healthy and strong stems. Care should be taken not to remove too much of the plant as this can reduce the yield potential of the crop.
Propagation Methods of Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc.
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc., commonly known as Bambara groundnut, is a legume crop that is highly adapted to hot and dry climates. It is predominantly grown in the savannah regions of Africa, Asia, and South America for its edible seeds. The crop has been recognized as a versatile and drought-tolerant crop that can play a role in food security for rural households and communities.
Propagation of Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc. is mostly carried out through seeds. The crop produces a large number of seeds, with each pod containing two to three seeds. The seeds are short-lived and need to be planted within six months of harvesting to ensure high germination rates. The seeds should be planted in well-prepared seedbeds at a depth of 4–5 cm. The optimum temperature for seed germination is around 25–30°C.
Vegetative propagation is also possible through hardwood cuttings. However, this method is not commonly used due to the high mortality rate of cuttings. The plant does not produce runners or suckers, so vegetative propagation is limited.
With proper care and management, Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc. can be propagated successfully through seed. Farmers are encouraged to use certified seeds to ensure that they plant high-quality seeds and obtain high yields.
Disease Management
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc. is susceptible to various diseases that can significantly reduce its yield. Some common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. It leads to the formation of brown, sunken lesions with dark margins on leaves and pods. The most effective management strategy for the disease is planting resistant varieties and practicing crop rotation.
- Mosaic: Mosaic is a viral disease that causes mottling and yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. There is no cure for the disease, and the best management strategy is to prevent its spread by avoiding infected seeds and controlling aphids, which are known to transmit the virus.
- Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vignicola. The disease causes the leaves to turn yellow and ultimately die. The management strategies include planting disease-free seeds, avoiding overhead irrigation, and destroying infected plants to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Pest Management
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. acutifolia Verdc. is also prone to pest attacks, which can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to leaf curling and distortion. The best management strategy for these pests is to introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, and to use insecticidal soaps and oils.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on the plant's flowers and pods, causing them to become distorted and discolored. The most effective management strategy for thrips is the use of insecticidal soaps and oils.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are very small insects that feed on the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. The management strategies include ensuring that the plant is well-watered and using insecticidal soaps and oils.
