Overview:
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. spontanea (Harms) Pasquet, commonly known as Bambara groundnut, is a flowering plant belonging to the legume family Fabaceae. It is widely cultivated in sub-Saharan Africa as a food and cash crop due to its high nutritional value, drought tolerance, and ability to grow in poor soils.
Origin:
Bambara groundnut is native to West Africa and is believed to have originated in the region spanning from present-day Nigeria to Senegal. It was first domesticated by indigenous farmers over 5000 years ago and has since spread to other parts of Africa and beyond.
Common Names:
Bambara groundnut is known by various names across different regions of Africa. Some of its common names include jugo beans, earth pea, imgoggo, kwaruru, njugu mawe, and nyimo beans.
Uses:
Bambara groundnut has various uses in African cuisine. In some regions, it is roasted, boiled, or ground into flour and used to make porridge, cakes, and soups. It is also used as a protein source in stews and vegetable dishes. Additionally, the plant's leaves and stems are used as livestock feed, and its seeds are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure.
General Appearance:
Bambara groundnut is a medium-sized annual plant that can grow up to 70 cm tall. It has a bushy growth habit and produces yellow or white flowers that give way to edible pods containing two or three seeds. The seeds are oval-shaped, flattened, and about 1 cm long. They come in various colors, including black, brown, cream, and red, and have a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture.
Light Requirements
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. spontanea (Harms) Pasquet thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to reach its full growth potential. In the absence of sufficient light, the plants tend to be spindly and produce fewer flowers and pods. The ideal location for this plant is an area with unobstructed access to sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. spontanea (Harms) Pasquet is between 20°C and 30°C. Too low temperatures may cause stunting, while too high temperatures can cause flower and pod drop. This plant is frost-sensitive, and exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to severe damage or death of the plant. They grow best in tropical and subtropical climatic regions with warm and humid conditions.
Soil Requirements
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. spontanea (Harms) Pasquet grows well in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It requires well-drained soils with good water retention capacity. These plants can also grow in poor soils; however, their yield is significantly reduced. The plant is sensitive to waterlogging and thrives in soils with good drainage. Proper preparation of the soil before planting helps to provide the best growing conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. spontanea (Harms) Pasquet, commonly called Bambara groundnut, is a legume crop grown mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. The best time to plant these crops is at the start of the rainy season, which varies depending on the region. The seeds should be planted in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter to a depth of about 2-3cm and spaced about 20-30cm apart. It is essential to weed regularly and remove any diseased or damaged plants promptly. Bambara groundnuts are often intercropped with other crops such as maize, sorghum, or cassava.
Watering Needs
Water is crucial for the growth and development of Bambara groundnuts. During the vegetative stage, the plants require regular watering to promote good root growth, but care must be taken not to waterlog the soil. The frequency and amount of water required may vary depending on your location, soil type, and the climatic conditions. Once the plants start to flower and produce pods, watering should be reduced to minimize the risk of fungal disease.
Fertilization
Bambara groundnuts generally require low inputs of fertilizers. The plants are capable of fixing their nitrogen from the atmosphere with the help of rhizobia bacteria. Organic fertilizers such as compost or animal manure can be added to improve the soil fertility. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers may also be applied if the soil test results indicate nutrient deficiencies.
Pruning
Bambara groundnuts do not require regular pruning. Any diseased or damaged plant parts should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease. However, pruning can be done to improve aeration and enhance the penetration of sunlight into the canopy. Pruning should be carried out during the vegetative stage when young and vigorous shoots are still growing.
Propagation of Vigna subterranea var. spontanea
Vigna subterranea var. spontanea is commonly propagated by seeds, root cuttings, and stem cuttings.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Vigna subterranea var. spontanea can be sown directly into well-prepared garden beds or seed trays containing a suitable seedling mix.
Seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and spaced at a distance of 10-15 cm apart.
Seedlings emerge after 7-14 days and require regular watering and fertilization until they reach a suitable size for transplanting.
Root cutting propagation
Root cuttings of Vigna subterranea var. spontanea can be taken from the parent plant during harvesting.
The cuttings should be at least 10 cm in length, and should be treated with a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth.
The cuttings should be planted in well-prepared soil in a well-drained location, and kept moist until new growth appears.
Stem cutting propagation
Stem cuttings of Vigna subterranea var. spontanea can be taken from the parent plant during the growing season.
The cuttings should be at least 20 cm long and should include 2-3 nodes. The leaves should be removed from the lower portion of the cutting.
The cuttings should be planted in well-prepared soil in a well-drained location, and kept moist until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. spontanea (Harms) Pasquet
Like any plant, Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. spontanea (Harms) Pasquet is susceptible to various pests and diseases. In order to effectively manage these threats, it is important to identify them in a timely manner and take appropriate measures to control and prevent their spread.
Common Diseases
One of the most widespread diseases affecting Vigna subterranea is anthracnose. This fungal disease causes dark, sunken spots on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. In severe cases, it can lead to defoliation and yield loss. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to remove infected plant debris and to apply fungicides as a preventative measure.
Another common disease that affects Vigna subterranea is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as white, powdery patches on the leaves and can inhibit plant growth and reduce yield. To control powdery mildew, it is recommended to prune affected leaves and to apply a fungicide to the plant.
Common Pests
One of the most significant pests that affect Vigna subterranea is the pod borer. This insect pest is known to damage the pods of the plant, leading to reduced yield. To manage the pod borer, it is recommended to monitor the plant regularly and to apply insecticides as needed.
The bean beetle is another pest that can cause damage to Vigna subterranea. These beetles feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant defoliation. To manage this pest, it is recommended to remove affected leaves and to apply insecticides as a preventative measure.
Preventative Measures
In addition to managing specific diseases and pests, there are several steps that can be taken to prevent their spread. One important measure is to ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil, as damp conditions can encourage the growth of fungal diseases. It is also important to remove dead plant debris and to practice crop rotation to prevent the buildup of pathogens in the soil.
Finally, it is recommended to regularly monitor the plant for signs of disease or pest damage and to take prompt action to control their spread. By taking these preventative measures and using appropriate disease and pest management techniques, it is possible to maintain healthy and productive Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. spontanea (Harms) Pasquet plants.
