The Plant Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. is a type of legume that is commonly known as bambara groundnut, earth pea, or pignut. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to Africa, where it is widely cultivated and used as a food crop. Bambara groundnut is a hardy and drought-resistant plant, which makes it suitable for cultivation in areas with low rainfall and poor soil quality.
Plant Description
Bambara groundnut is an annual plant that grows up to 50cm tall. The plant produces long thin stems with trifoliate leaves that have a rough texture. The flowers are small and come in various colors, including white, purple, and yellow. The fruit is a pod that contains 1-3 seeds and has a woody texture. The seeds are round, oval-shaped and come in different colors, including black, brown, and white.
Uses of Vigna subterranea
Bambara groundnut is a highly nutritious food crop that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals. The seeds are commonly used to make a variety of traditional African dishes such as soups, stews, and porridge. The leaves and stems of the plant are also used as animal fodder. In addition to its food uses, bambara groundnut is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach ulcers. The plant has also been used for soil improvement due to its nitrogen-fixing properties.
Cultivation of Bambara Groundnut
Bambara groundnut is a relatively easy crop to cultivate, especially in areas with low rainfall and poor soil quality. The plant is usually grown in dryland areas and harvested after 3-4 months. The seeds are usually sown directly into the ground or in soil containers and transplanted later. The plant requires minimal inputs, and its drought resistance makes it suitable for cultivation in areas prone to drought. However, proper weed control is necessary for optimal yields.
In conclusion, Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. is a highly valuable plant with various food and medicinal uses. Its hardiness and drought resistance make it a suitable crop for cultivation in areas with poor soil quality and low rainfall.
Light Requirements
Vigna subterranea requires full sunlight to thrive. This plant species needs direct exposure to sunlight to grow healthy leaves and produce abundant yields.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Vigna subterranea is between 20°C to 30°C. This plant species can tolerate high temperature fluctuations and can grow in hot and humid tropical climates.
Soil Requirements
Vigna subterranea can grow in a wide range of soils as long as they are well-drained and rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range for the growth of this plant is between 5.5 to 7.5. It can also grow in sandy soils with low nutrient content and can tolerate drought conditions to some extent. However, heavy clay soils and waterlogged areas are not suitable for cultivating this plant.
Cultivation methods
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc., commonly known as Bambara groundnut, is a subsistence crop that is mostly cultivated by small-scale farmers in the tropics. It is a hardy plant that can grow in various soil types, although it prefers sandy and loamy soils that are well-draining. The timing for planting is dependent on rainfall; therefore, it should be done at the onset of rains. For optimal growth, the seeds should be sown at a depth of 2 cm and spaced at 30 cm apart with rows at 60 cm
Watering needs
The Bambara groundnut plant has moderate water requirements. It is best to water this plant during the early morning hours or late afternoon to allow for slow water seepage into the soil. The frequency of watering is dependent on the rainfall; however, it is advised to irrigate the plant once in every seven days if the rains are not consistent.
Fertilization
For optimal yield, Bambara groundnuts require nutrient-rich soil, with sufficient levels of phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. It is recommended to use organic manure and compost as these not only enrich the soil but also improve its physical properties. The fertilization should be done at planting and during the flowering stage
Pruning
The Bambara groundnut plant seldom requires pruning, as it is a low-growing legume. However, it is essential to remove branches that appear dry or those that are infected by pests or diseases. This will help prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the plant. Additionally, pruning excess branches can allow for better air circulation and sunlight penetration, thereby promoting better growth and yields.
Propagation of Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc., also known as Bambara groundnut, is propagated through several methods such as seed propagation, vegetative propagation or micropropagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method of propagating Vigna subterranea. The seeds are harvested when the pods start to dry. After harvesting, the seeds are dried and stored in a cool and dry place until planting. The seeds are sowed directly into the soil or in pots. They should be sown at a depth of 3-5 cm and should be spaced between 15-20 cm apart.
Vegetative Propagation
Vigna subterranea can also be propagated by vegetative means such as stem cuttings or root cuttings. The cuttings are taken from healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in well-prepared soil. After planting, it is advisable to keep the soil moist to allow the cuttings to establish well.
Micropropagation
Micropropagation is another method of propagating Vigna subterranea. This method involves the use of plant tissue culture techniques. Small pieces of plant tissues such as leaves, stem tips or nodal segments are aseptically cultured on media that contains plant growth regulators. After several weeks, new shoots will emerge and can be transferred to soil to continue growing.
Disease Management for Vigna Subterranea (L.) Verdc.
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. is prone to several diseases, including bacterial blight, fusarium wilt, and root rot. To manage bacterial blight, plant resistant varieties and sanitize tools to prevent the spread of the bacteria. For fusarium wilt, practice crop rotation and avoid standing water. Root rot can be managed by avoiding overwatering and ensuring good soil drainage.
Pest Management for Vigna Subterranea (L.) Verdc.
The most common pests that affect Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. are aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Aphids can be controlled by releasing predatory insects such as ladybugs or spraying the leaves with a mixture of water and dish soap. Thrips can be managed using yellow sticky traps or neem oil. Spider mites can be controlled by regularly watering the plant and keeping the humidity high. Additionally, prune any infested leaves to prevent the spread of the pests.
