Origin
Vigna repens (L.) Kuntze, non Baker, commonly known as the Creeping Vigna, is a tropical legume that is native to both Africa and Asia. It is widely distributed in regions that have a tropical climate, including India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
Common Names
The Creeping Vigna is also commonly known as the Beach Pea, Beach Gram, and Coastal Lathyrus. In India, it is called Pillipesara or Seemai Kollu, while in Sri Lanka it is known as Kalu Undu or Kenda.
Appearance
The Creeping Vigna is a climbing or trailing plant, with stems that can reach up to several meters in length. Its leaves are trifoliate and are arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers are small, with a white or purplish colour, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a small pod that contains several seeds.
Uses
The Creeping Vigna is commonly used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion. Its nitrogen-fixing ability also makes it an excellent crop rotation option. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diabetes, diarrhea, and fever. In some regions, the Creeping Vigna is also used as a food source, with the seeds being cooked and eaten.
Light Requirements
Vigna repens typically requires full sunlight to grow and yield optimally. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and poor yields. This plant can also tolerate partially shaded conditions, but extended periods of low sunlight can be detrimental.
Temperature Requirements
Being a tropical plant, Vigna repens thrives in warm temperatures. The optimum temperature range for growth and development is between 21°C and 32°C. Cooler temperatures below 10°C can cause leaf discoloration and slow growth. Also, temperatures above 35°C can be too hot, leading to heat stress and plant damage.
Soil Requirements
Vigna repens grows best in well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be around neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Soil with excessively high or low pH levels can lead to nutrient deficiencies or toxicity. It is essential to maintain proper soil moisture levels to ensure optimal growth. Water-logged soil can cause roots to rot and eventually kill the plant.
Cultivation
Vigna repens is a hardy plant that grows well in warm tropical regions. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic. The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings, and it grows quickly to form a dense ground cover.
Watering Needs
Vigna repens requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. It needs to be watered deeply at least once a week, especially during dry periods. The plant does not tolerate waterlogging, so it is important to avoid overwatering.
Fertilization
The plant can benefit from fertilization with a balanced fertilizer every two months during the growing season. The use of organic fertilizers is recommended to promote healthy growth. The application of fertilizer should be done after watering, to avoid fertilizer burn of the plants.
Pruning
Pruning is not usually necessary for Vigna repens. However, if the plant becomes too dense or starts to develop woody stems, it can be pruned to encourage new growth. The best time to prune the plant is during the growing season. It is advisable to remove dried or dead leaves to enhance plant growth, health and aesthetics.
Propagation Methods for Vigna repens (L.) Kuntze
Vigna repens (L.) Kuntze is mainly propagated through vegetative means, specifically stem cuttings and root division. Here's a closer look at each method:
Stem Cuttings
To propagate V. repens through stem cuttings, take a healthy stem from the parent plant and carefully cut it into sections that are 5-10 centimeters long. Each cutting should have at least one node. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mixture and keep it moist until roots develop. After a few weeks, the cutting will start developing new leaves and can be transplanted to a larger container or directly in the ground.
Root Division
Another method of propagating V. repens is through root division. This method is especially useful when the parent plant has become too large and needs to be divided to promote healthier growth. To divide the root system, carefully dig up the plant and remove as much soil as possible from around the roots of the parent plant. Cut the root ball into several sections, each with some healthy roots and at least one growing point (or shoot). Replant the divided sections in separate containers or in the desired location in the garden. Keep the soil moist for a week or two until new growth emerges.
Common diseases of Vigna repens
There are several diseases that can affect Vigna repens, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves and pods and can cause yield loss. To manage anthracnose, remove diseased plant debris and avoid overhead watering.
- Mosaic viruses: Mosaic viruses are a group of viruses that cause mottling and distortion of leaves. To manage mosaic viruses, control aphid populations, which can spread the viruses.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange-brown pustules on leaves, stems, and pods. To manage rust, remove diseased plant debris and avoid overhead watering.
Common pests of Vigna repens
Vigna repens can also be affected by several pests, including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause distortion and yellowing of leaves, as well as the spread of viruses. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing and bronzing of leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small insects that can cause yellowing of leaves and stunt growth. To manage leafhoppers, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
