Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy: Description, Uses, and Origin
Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy is a species of legume commonly known as the rough-seeded kidney bean. It is native to southern Africa, specifically Zimbabwe, where it grows in sandy soils and is well-adapted to drought conditions.
Appearance
The plant has a typical legume growth habit, with vines that can climb up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are tri-foliate and have a rough texture, while the flowers are small and yellow. The fruit is a pod, which contains several rough-textured, kidney-shaped seeds.
Uses
In southern Africa, Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy is an important crop used for food. The seeds are harvested and consumed as a traditional dish called “nyimo”, which is a high protein source and often made into a soup or stew. The plant is also used for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and to relieve fevers.
Additionally, Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy has the potential to be a source of income for farmers due to its drought tolerance and ability to grow in sandy soils.
Growth Conditions for Vigna Scabrida Burtt Davy
Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy is a legume plant endemic to Southern Africa, commonly known as rough-seeded cowpea. This plant is adapted to dry and arid conditions, grows as a shrub, and has several stems arising from its woody base.
Light Requirements
Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy requires full sun to thrive and produce flowers and seeds. As it is a plant associated with arid and semi-arid areas, it has adapted to tolerate high levels of light and heat. Partial shade or shaded areas may hinder its growth and survival.
Temperature Tolerance
Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy is adapted to grow in hot and dry conditions. The plant can withstand high temperatures of up to 38°C and can tolerate temperature fluctuations above or below 20°C. In cold areas, the plant may not survive temperatures below 5°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils, and it can grow in a slightly acidic or alkaline soil condition with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. The plant can grow in sandy soils, loamy soils, or clay soils but requires good soil structure and texture to support its roots' growth and penetration.
Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy requires a soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter. Soil fertility is essential for the plant to produce flowers and fruits. Therefore, it is recommended that a grower adds organic manure or compost to the soil before planting to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
Cultivation of Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy
Vigna scabrida is best grown in a bright, sunny location with well-draining soil. This plant prefers warm temperatures and doesn't do well in cold climates. Ensure to plant the seeds in an area with good air circulation and adequate sunlight.
When planting the seedlings, space them at least 6 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and avoid fungal diseases. You can use a trellis to support the stems and the tendrils of the vine as it grows, in case you want to grow them upwards.
Watering Needs
You should water the plant regularly, making sure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Vigna scabrida prefers regular watering, and to ensure that the vines grow healthily, water them deeply and avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf rot, fungal diseases, and mildew.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plants using a balanced fertilizer once every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Fertilizing will not only nourish the vines but also encourage healthy growth. You should stop fertilizing as soon as the blooming period begins, as this signals that the fruits are starting to form.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary when the vines grow too long, as this will help prevent the plant from becoming too bushy and increase airflow. Prune off any damaged or dead leaves regularly, as these can harbor pests and diseases.
The plant may produce a lot of foliage, but this shouldn't be a cause of alarm as the foliage helps support the plant and nourish the developing fruits. In summary, prune to control the plant's size and shape, and to maintain good airflow in the growing area.
Propagation of Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy
Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy is a species of plant commonly found in Africa. This plant can be propagated both through sexual and asexual means.
Sexual propagation
The seeds of Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy can be collected and sowed in fertile soil. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The seeds germinate within 7-14 days depending on the environmental conditions. Growing seedlings need to be well-supplied with nutrients to support their growth. For best results, sow seeds during the summer rainy season as the plants require moist soil to thrive. In addition, the plant produces an abundance of seeds, making it easy to collect them for propagation.
Asexual propagation
The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. It is important to ensure that the cuttings are taken from mature Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy plants. The cuttings should measure around 15 cm and should be free from diseases. The cutting can be planted in soil or a rooting medium such as sand or peat moss. The cutting should be placed in a well-lit and warm environment to stimulate root growth. In addition, cutting the stem back encourages the plant to branch out. This is an effective way of increasing the number of Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy plants in a garden.
Propagation of Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy is easy, and both methods of propagation yield good results. However, it is important to practice good plant care to ensure that the plants reach maximum growth and remain healthy.
Disease and Pest Management for Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy
Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy, commonly known as hairy cowpea or rough-seeded bean, is a leguminous crop which is widely cultivated in sub-Saharan Africa. However, like any other crop, it is prone to several diseases and pests that can significantly affect its yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy and the management strategies that can be adopted to control their impact:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy plant. It is characterized by circular or angular spots on the leaves which later turn to brown or black sunken lesions. To manage anthracnose, it is important to plant disease-resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, and avoid overhead irrigation which can spread the disease.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy, causing yellow or reddish-brown spots on the upper surface of the leaves. To manage rust, it is important to remove and destroy any infected plant debris, use disease-resistant varieties, and apply fungicides to the affected plants.
Root Rot: This is a disease caused by soil-borne fungi that affects the roots of Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves and wilting. To manage root rot, it is important to improve soil drainage, practice crop rotation, and use disease-resistant varieties.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy, leading to distorted growth, yellowing of leaves, and the production of honeydew. To manage aphids, it is important to practice good crop hygiene, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil, and encourage the natural enemies of aphids such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Bean weevils: Bean weevils are pests that attack the seeds of Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy, causing them to be discolored and develop holes. To manage bean weevils, it is important to plant disease-resistant varieties, practice adequate crop hygiene including seed treatment, and use chemical insecticides if necessary.
Cutworms: Cutworms are the caterpillars of nocturnal moth species that feed on the stems of Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy at ground level, causing death of the plant. To manage cutworms, it is important to use physical barriers such as collars around the base of the plants, encourage natural predators such as birds, and use biological or chemical insecticides if necessary.
By adopting these disease and pest management strategies, farmers can minimize the negative impact of diseases and pests on the yield of Vigna scabrida Burtt Davy, ensuring a bountiful harvest.
