Origin
Vigna rhomboidea Burtt Davy is a legume species that belongs to the Fabaceae family, commonly found in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America.
Common Names
The plant has many common names, such as wild cowpea, small kidney bean, diamond bean, and rhomboid vigna. In different countries, it also has other local names, such as mtori in Tanzania, mbambakofi in Malawi, and masaga in Mozambique.
Uses
The plant is a food crop for people and animals, especially in Africa. Its young leaves and pods serve as vegetables, while the mature seeds are a source of protein and other essential nutrients, including iron, magnesium, and calcium. The plant also has medicinal properties, such as treating skin infections, digestive problems, and diabetes.
General Appearance
Vigna rhomboidea Burtt Davy is an annual, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. Its stem is slender, branching, and usually covered with fine hairs. The leaves are trifoliate, alternate, and smooth on the upper surface, but hairy underneath. The flowers are pea-shaped, white, or purple, and grow in clusters of 2 to 3. The fruit is a pod, green when young, but turning black when mature, containing many small seeds with rhomboid shapes.
Light Requirements
Vigna rhomboidea Burtt Davy requires full sunlight exposure to grow properly. It is recommended to grow this plant in open spaces with plenty of sunlight, such as fields or gardens.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Vigna rhomboidea Burtt Davy is between 25°C and 35°C. This plant prefers warmer temperatures and cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold conditions. It requires a warm and humid climate to grow and develop.
Soil Requirements
Vigna rhomboidea Burtt Davy requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil must be rich in organic matter and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. It prefers sandy loam soils for optimal growth. It is recommended to avoid waterlogged or poorly drained soils as they can lead to root rot and other fungal infections.
Cultivation
Vigna rhomboidea Burtt Davy, also known as the wild vigna plant, can be grown in a variety of soils such as sandy, loamy, or clayey soil. The ideal soil pH for this plant ranges between 6 and 7.5. The plant can be propagated by seeds, which can be sown directly in the soil. It is suggested to plant the vine plant during the spring and summer season.
Watering Needs
The wild vigna plant prefers well-drained soil, and frequent watering is not required as the plant is relatively drought-tolerant. However, it is important to ensure the plant receives adequate water during the flowering and fruiting stage. The top inch of soil should be slightly moist, but not wet, before watering the plant. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
The wild vigna plant requires regular fertilization to ensure the best growth and production. They thrive on a balanced 14-14-14 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) ratio fertilizer. Fertilizer should be applied to the soil every month during the growing season, but be sure not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth, at the expense of flowers and fruits.
Pruning
Pruning the plant is necessary to ensure proper growth and yield. The branches of the vine plant should be pruned regularly to encourage plant growth and to prevent overcrowding. It is important to remove diseased, damaged, and improper growth to ensure the plant remains healthy and disease-free. Pruning shoots and branches during the early stages of plant growth will encourage the plant to grow more flowers and fruit.
Propagation of Vigna rhomboidea Burtt Davy
Vigna rhomboidea Burtt Davy is a woody climber species that belongs in the fabaceae family. Propagation of the plant can be done through various methods. Here are some common propagation methods for Vigna rhomboidea:
Seed propagation
One of the common propagation methods for Vigna rhomboidea is through seed propagation. The matured seeds can be collected from the parent plant and sown in a well-draining potting mix. Ensure that the soil is kept moist until the seed germinates. It usually takes two to three weeks for the seeds to germinate, and they will begin to develop leaves and roots. Once the plant has several sets of leaves and a well-established root system, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Cutting propagation
Another propagation method for Vigna rhomboidea is through cutting propagation. Take a cutting from the matured stem of Vigna rhomboidea having at least two nodes. The cutting should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mix. Maintain the moisture level and ensure that the cutting is protected from direct sun. After two to four weeks, the cutting will produce roots, and a new Vigna rhomboidea plant will grow.
Layering
Vigna rhomboidea can also be propagated by layering method. In this process, select a matured stem that can reach the soil surface and remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem. Secure the stem to the ground with a bent wire or other suitable device, and bury the node in the soil. After a few weeks, roots will start to grow from the buried node. When the roots have established, the stem can be detached from the parent plant and transplanted to its final location.
Overall, Vigna rhomboidea is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to propagate through the different methods mentioned above. By following the right propagation technique, the plant can be propagated successfully and produce a new Vigna rhomboidea plant.
Disease Management
Vigna rhomboidea is susceptible to several diseases that affect its growth and yield. One common disease is anthracnose, which manifests as dark, sunken spots on leaves, stems, and pods. To manage anthracnose, the affected parts should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides can be applied to prevent further infections.
Another disease that affects Vigna rhomboidea is bacterial blight, which causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow, and the stems to become water-soaked and brown. The use of resistant cultivars, crop rotation, and good cultural practices, such as proper irrigation and fertilization, can help manage bacterial blight.
Fusarium wilt is also a common disease that affects Vigna rhomboidea. It causes stunting, yellowing, and wilting of plants, and can be managed by planting resistant cultivars, crop rotation, and using soil fumigants.
Pest Management
Vigna rhomboidea is also susceptible to pest infestations, which can affect its growth and yield. One common pest is the bean fly, which lays eggs on the plant and causes the leaves to curl, turn yellow, and eventually drop off. To manage bean fly infestations, the use of insecticides, crop rotation, and the cultivation of resistant cultivars can be effective.
The bruchid beetle is another pest that attacks Vigna rhomboidea. It lays eggs on the pods, and the larvae consume the seeds, causing yield losses. To manage bruchid beetle infestations, the use of insecticides, crop rotation, and the use of resistant cultivars can be effective.
The cowpea aphid is also a common pest that attacks Vigna rhomboidea. It sucks sap from the plant, causing stunting and leaf distortion. The use of insecticides, cultural practices such as weeding, and the cultivation of resistant cultivars can be effective in managing cowpea aphid infestations.
