Overview of Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant is commonly known as bambara groundnut, earth pea, or jugo bean. It is a leguminous crop that is widely cultivated and consumed in many parts of Africa, particularly in West Africa.
Origin and Distribution of Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea is believed to have originated from sub-Saharan Africa. This plant is widely distributed in Africa, and is grown in many countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. It is also cultivated in some parts of Asia and South America.
General appearance of Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea is a creeping plant that grows up to a height of 30-70 cm. The leaves of this plant are trifoliate, with pinnate leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The flowers are yellow to brown in color, and are borne in axillary racemes. The fruits of this plant are cylindrical, and contain 1-3 seeds which are round to oval in shape.
Uses of Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea is an important crop in Africa, providing a source of food and income for many farmers. The seeds of this plant are rich in protein, carbohydrates, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus. They are consumed as a boiled or roasted snack, or are used to make a nutritious soup, porridge, or bread. The leaves and stems of this plant are also used as animal feed, and the plant is sometimes used as a cover crop to improve soil fertility.
Light Requirements:
The plant Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth. It requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant can tolerate high temperatures and requires a warm climate for growth. The optimum temperature range for the plant growth is between 25°C to 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost and low temperatures for a prolonged period of time.
Soil Requirements:
The plant can grow in different types of soil, but it prefers well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth. It is important to avoid waterlogged or compacted soil which can hinder the growth of this plant.
Cultivation of Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea, commonly known as Bambara groundnut, is a valuable legume crop that is planted for its edible seeds. Proper cultivation practices are essential for the successful growth and yield of this plant.
Watering Needs
Bambara groundnut requires adequate water supply for optimal growth and yield. Regular, deep watering should be done to ensure adequate moisture in the soil. However, overwatering should be avoided, as the plant is susceptible to waterlogging and root rot. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the flowering and pod formation stages to prevent excessive vegetative growth and promote seed development.
Fertilization
Fertilizer application is essential for Bambara groundnut, especially in low fertility soils. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the primary nutrients required in larger quantities. Nitrogen aids in vegetative growth, while phosphorus promotes flowering, fruiting, and seed development. Potassium improves the plant's resistance to drought and diseases. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used to boost soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Bambara groundnut, as it is a bushy plant that does not require much intervention. However, removing the lower branches can promote better air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Propagation methods for Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea, commonly known as Bambara groundnut, is an annual legume that is cultivated for its edible seeds which are rich in protein, carbohydrates, and essential minerals.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Bambara groundnuts is by using seeds. Seeds can be obtained from mature pods of a healthy plant. These pods should be allowed to dry naturally on the plant before being harvested. Once harvested, the pods should be left to dry completely in a dry, well-ventilated area before being shelled. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be planted.
Before planting, the seeds should be treated with a fungicide to prevent fungal infections. The seeds can then be sown directly in the field or in seedbeds. Sowing should be done at the beginning of the rainy season. The optimum soil temperature for germination is between 25°C to 30°C. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 3 cm and spaced 10-15 cm apart in rows spaced 60-75 cm apart.
Cuttings propagation
Bambara groundnuts can also be propagated by vegetative means using stem cuttings. This method is mostly used for the multiplication of superior genotypes.
The stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants that have been grown at least for a season. The cutting should be about 10 cm long and should have 2-3 nodes. The cuttings should be made from healthy and disease-free plants.
The cuttings can be planted in a mixture of sand and soil in a nursery bed. The bed should be watered regularly and kept under shade to prevent desiccation. After three to four weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted to the field.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture is another method used for the propagation of Bambara groundnuts. This method is mostly used for the production of disease-free planting materials.
The process involves taking small portions of the plant called explants from a disease-free plant. These explants are then cultured in a nutrient-rich medium under sterile conditions. After several weeks, these explants will grow into callus, which can then be further cultured to produce plantlets. The plantlets are then transplanted to a greenhouse and hardened off before being planted in the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea, commonly known as Bambara groundnut, is a hardy and drought-resistant legume that can be grown in various regions, including sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. However, like any other crops, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can reduce its yield and quality. To prevent and manage these issues effectively, it is essential to understand the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, as well as the appropriate management practices.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases of Bambara groundnut is anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include brown to black lesions on leaves, stems, pods, and seeds. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to plant resistant cultivars and practice crop rotation. Additionally, removing and destroying infected plant debris is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another significant disease that affects Bambara groundnut is root rot, caused by various fungal and bacterial pathogens, including Fusarium and Rhizoctonia. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, stunting, and rotting of the roots. To reduce the risk of root rot, it is crucial to maintain proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Additionally, planting disease-free seeds and avoiding wounding the roots can help reduce the risk of infection. If root rot occurs, removing and destroying infected plants and improving soil drainage can help manage the disease.
Common Pests
Bambara groundnut can also be affected by various pests, including insects and nematodes. One of the common pests is the pod borer, a caterpillar that bores into the pods and damages the seeds. To manage pod borers, it is recommended to handpick and destroy infected pods. Additionally, planting early and using pheromone traps can help reduce the population of pod borers.
Another significant pest that affects Bambara groundnut is the root-knot nematode. These microscopic worms infest the roots, causing galls and reducing nutrient uptake. To manage root-knot nematodes, it is recommended to practice crop rotation, avoid planting susceptible crops, and use nematode-resistant cultivars. Additionally, incorporating organic matter, such as compost, into the soil can help suppress nematode populations.
In conclusion, preventing and managing diseases and pests of Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. var. subterranea is crucial to ensure a healthy and productive crop. By implementing appropriate management practices, such as crop rotation, resistant cultivars, and cultural controls, farmers can minimize the risk of disease and pest infestations, and improve the yield and quality of their Bambara groundnut harvests.
