Vigna Procera Welw. Ex Hiern

Origin and Common Names

Vigna procera Welw. ex Hiern, also known as the African yam bean, is a tropical legume native to West Africa. It is commonly grown in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Benin for its edible seeds and leaves.

General Appearance

The Vigna procera plant is a vine that can grow up to 3 meters tall, with a woody stem and trifoliate leaves. The leaves have long petioles and are ovate or lanceolate in shape. The plant produces clusters of small, white or purple flowers that are followed by long, slender pods containing 5-7 seeds each.

Uses

The seeds and leaves of the Vigna procera plant are edible and have been a staple food in West Africa for centuries. The seeds are high in protein, carbohydrates, and minerals, and can be boiled, roasted, or ground into flour for use in soups, stews, and porridges. The leaves are also nutritious and can be cooked like spinach or used to make a vegetable soup. In addition to its use as a food crop, Vigna procera is also used as a forage crop for livestock and as a shade crop for cocoa and coffee plantations.

Growth Conditions for Vigna procera Welw. ex Hiern

Light: Vigna procera Welw. ex Hiern requires full sunlight to grow properly. The plant cannot thrive in shade or partial shade and may suffer from stunted growth or chlorosis in these conditions.

Temperature: This plant grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C (77-95°F) during the day and 20 to 25°C (68-77°F) at night. The minimum temperature required for growth is 20°C (68°F). Anything below this may reduce growth rate or halt growth entirely.

Soil Requirements: Vigna procera Welw. ex Hiern grows well in sandy soils with good drainage. It requires neutral to slightly acidic soils, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5, for optimum growth. The plant cannot survive in soils with a pH below 6.0 or above 7.5. It is also important to note that the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils.

The plant requires moderate moisture for growth. It should be watered regularly during the growing period, especially during dry spells. However, excessive watering should be avoided as it may cause root rot or other fungal diseases. Proper drainage and soil moisture levels can promote healthy growth and higher yield.

Overall, Vigna procera Welw. ex Hiern is a relatively hardy plant that can thrive in most tropical and subtropical climatic regions. Providing the right combination of light, temperature, and soil conditions can ensure maximum growth and yield.

Cultivation Methods

Vigna procera Welw. ex Hiern is typically grown from seeds. The seeds should be soaked in water for about six hours before planting them in well-draining soil. The soil should be enriched with organic matter, such as compost or manure. The plant should be placed in an area that receives full sun or partial shade. The optimum temperature for growth is 25 to 30 °C. In order to promote continuous flowering and fruiting, it is important to deadhead the spent blooms frequently.

Watering Needs

Vigna procera Welw. ex Hiern requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It is recommended to water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, and adjust the frequency accordingly.

Fertilization

Vigna procera Welw. ex Hiern should be fertilized regularly to promote healthy growth and flowering. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer should be applied every two to three weeks during the growing season, and no fertilizer should be applied during the dormant season. It is recommended to use organic fertilizers that are slow-release and to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Pruning

Vigna procera Welw. ex Hiern can benefit from pruning to promote bushier growth and to remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning should be done in the early spring before the growing season begins. The plant can be pruned to a height of approximately 30 centimeters to encourage branching. Additionally, spent flowers and fruit should be pruned regularly to promote continuous flowering and fruiting. It is important to use sharp pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant.

Propagation of Vigna procera Welw. ex Hiern

Vigna procera Welw. ex Hiern can be propagated through different methods such as:

Seed propagation:

The most common propagation method for Vigna procera is through seeds. The seeds must be matured before collection and must be of good quality to ensure proper germination rates. Seed propagation is done by following these simple steps:

1. Soak the seeds in water for about 24 hours to facilitate germination.
2. Prepare a suitable planting medium, which could be a mix of loam and sand in equal parts.
3. Plant the seeds at a depth of about 2 to 3 cm into the medium.
4. Water the planted seeds regularly, but avoid waterlogging.
5. Germination should occur within 2 to 3 weeks, after which the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent positions.

Cuttings:

Vigna procera can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method is most effective during the plant's growth phase and involves the following steps:

1. Select a healthy stem from the plant that is about 10-15 cm long and has a few leaves at the top.
2. Make a cut just below a node and remove the lower leaves to leave just a few at the top.
3. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder for better rooting.
4. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and water them well.
5. Keep the cuttings in a shaded area and maintain the soil moisture by watering them regularly.
6. The cuttings should start rooting and producing new leaves in about 2 to 3 weeks. Once they have reached a height of about 20-25 cm, they can be transplanted to their permanent positions.

Air layering:

Air layering is another propagation method though not commonly used for Vigna procera. It involves the following steps:

1. Select a healthy branch about 30 to 40 cm long from the plant.
2. Girdle a section of the branch by removing a ring of bark and apply rooting hormone to the exposed wood.
3. Wrap the exposed area with moist sphagnum moss, and then cover it with plastic wrapping to keep the moisture in.
4. After about 4 to 5 weeks, roots should develop at the girdled section, and the branch can then be removed and planted into a well-drained potting mix.

Propagation of Vigna procera is an easy process that can be done using seeds, cuttings or air layering. It is important to use healthy plant material and provide the proper growing conditions to ensure the success of the propagation process.

Disease and Pest Management for Vigna procera Welw. ex Hiern

Vigna procera Welw. ex Hiern, commonly known as the forest vigna, is a leguminous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is an important plant that provides food for humans and livestock, as well as fuelwood and timber. The plant is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can significantly reduce its yield and quality. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.

Diseases

Vigna procera is prone to several diseases, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. These are some of the common diseases that affect the plant:

1. Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant, causing them to become covered with a white powdery substance. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and provide good ventilation to reduce humidity. Fungicides can be used if the infection is severe.

2. Root Rot

Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to turn black and mushy. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant has well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can be used if the infection is severe.

3. Bean Rust

Bean rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to develop yellow spots that turn rusty brown. To manage bean rust, remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Provide good ventilation to reduce humidity. Fungicides can be used if the infection is severe.

Pests

Vigna procera is also susceptible to various pests. These are some of the common pests that affect the plant:

1. Aphids

Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with water to dislodge them. Use insecticides if the infestation is severe.

2. Leaf Miners

Leaf miners are small larvae that burrow into the leaves of the plant, creating tunnels and causing the leaves to turn yellow and die. To manage leaf miners, remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Use insecticides if the infestation is severe.

3. Thrips

Thrips are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to become distorted and discolored. To manage thrips, remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Use insecticides if the infestation is severe.

Managing diseases and pests in Vigna procera is essential to ensure that the plant grows healthily and produces high-quality yields. A combination of preventive measures such as good cultural practices and prompt treatment of infections can help to keep the plant healthy and productive.