The Vigna tisserantii A.Chev. Plant
Vigna tisserantii A.Chev. is a leguminous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is commonly known as the velvet bean or cowitch and is native to Africa, specifically in countries such as Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Ivory Coast.
General Appearance
The velvet bean plant is a vigorous climber that can grow up to 15 meters in length. The plant's stems and pods are covered with soft, velvety hairs that give it a distinctive appearance. The leaves are trifoliate (having three leaflets) and have a length of up to 15cm and a width of up to 10cm.
Uses
The velvet bean plant has several uses, including medicinal and agricultural purposes. In traditional medicine, the plant's leaves and roots are used to prepare a decoction that is used to treat several ailments like epilepsy, rheumatism, and snakebites. The plant is also used to improve fertility and boost libido in men and women.
The velvet bean plant is also useful in agriculture. It is an important cover crop that helps to improve soil fertility, enhance soil moisture content, and prevent soil erosion. Additionally, the plant's nitrogen-fixing ability helps to enrich soil with essential nutrients, making it ideal for intercropping with other crops like maize, groundnuts, and cassava.
Light Requirements
Vigna tisserantii A.Chev. requires full sunlight exposure to grow properly. It cannot tolerate shaded areas or low-light conditions as these will stunt its growth. For optimal growth, the plant should receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 25-35°C (77-95°F) throughout the year. It cannot withstand frost or cold temperatures below 12°C (54°F). Therefore, it is best suited for warm and tropical climates.
Soil Requirements
Vigna tisserantii A.Chev. can grow in a variety of well-draining soils, including sandy, loamy or clay soils. However, it prefers slightly acidic soils (pH 5.5-6.5) with organic matter. The soil should be rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Excess water should be avoided when irrigating as it can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Vigna tisserantii A.Chev.
Vigna tisserantii A.Chev is a plant that is easy to cultivate, and it can grow in various soil conditions. It is also tolerant of low raining area and hot temperatures. You can cultivate it either by direct sowing or through seedlings. To cultivate via sowing, plant seeds of the bean 1 inch deep in a well-drained substrate. Seedlings should first be grown in a nursery bed before being transplanted into the ground. The spacing between the plants should be about 20 cm.
Watering Needs for Vigna tisserantii A.Chev.
Vigna tisserantii A.Chev requires consistent moisture but not excessively wet soils. Watering should be done once or twice a week, depending on the amount of rainfall received. Irrigation should be applied only when the soil has started to dry out. When irrigating, apply water heavily and deeply to soak the roots. However, avoid waterlogging since it can lead to the development of root rot.
Fertilization of Vigna tisserantii A.Chev.
The Vigna tisserantii A.Chev plant grows well in nutrient-rich soils or soils supplemented with organic matter like compost or manure. You can supplement the soil with commercial fertilizers like NPK 20:20:20 or a suitable bean fertilizer three weeks after planting. During the flowering and pod stage, apply additional fertilizer to improve the yield. However, be careful not to overfertilize since it can cause excessive foliage growth and, in turn, reduce yield.
Pruning of Vigna tisserantii A.Chev.
Vigna tisserantii A.Chev is a vine that grows up to 1m tall and can be pruned to control its height and spread. Pinch off the tips of the vines to encourage bushiness. Also, remove any diseased, wilting, or dead leaves and pods to prevent the spread of disease. However, minimal pruning is required since the plant grows naturally and forms a dense canopy that eliminates the need for additional pruning.
Propagation of Vigna tisserantii A.Chev.
Vigna tisserantii A.Chev., also known as African yam bean, is a leguminous plant that is a vital source of protein and micronutrients for many people in sub-Saharan Africa. It is cultivated for its edible tubers and seeds. The plant is generally propagated by seeds, but there are other options.
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Vigna tisserantii is by seeds. Seeds should be collected from healthy plants when the pods start to dry and turn brown. They should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place until ready to be sowed. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to improve their germination rate. They can then be sowed directly into the ground or in pots filled with a well-draining potting mix.
The best time to sow the seeds is during the rainy season, as this provides the necessary moisture for the seeds to germinate. It typically takes about 7 to 10 days for the seeds to germinate, and the plants will start to flower and produce tubers and seeds in about four months.
Cuttings propagation
Another method of propagating Vigna tisserantii is by cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants that are two to three months old. The cuttings should be about 15cm in length and should be taken from the main stem. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be allowed to dry for a few hours.
The cuttings can then be planted in pots or directly in the ground. They should be watered regularly, and it typically takes about six to eight weeks for the cuttings to take root and start producing new growth.
Tuber propagation
Vigna tisserantii can also be propagated by tubers. This method is commonly used in areas where the plant is grown as a perennial. The tubers should be dug up when the plant is dormant, and they should be stored in a cool, dry place until ready for planting.
To propagate using tubers, a hole should be dug in the soil about 10cm deep, and the tuber should be placed inside with the buds facing upwards. The hole should be covered with soil, and the tuber should be watered regularly. It typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks for the tuber to sprout and start producing new growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Vigna tisserantii A.Chev.
Vigna tisserantii A.Chev. is a legume species that is commonly grown as a cover crop and intercrop in humid tropical regions. The plant is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can reduce yield and quality. Effective disease and pest management strategies are essential for maintaining the health and productivity of Vigna tisserantii crops.
Common Diseases
Vigna tisserantii A.Chev. is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause dark lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods of Vigna tisserantii. The disease can induce defoliation, pod rotting, and yield loss. Management options include planting resistant varieties, crop rotation, and fungicide application.
- Web blight: Web blight is a fungal disease that can cause web-like growth on the leaves, stems, and pods of Vigna tisserantii, leading to defoliation and yield reduction. Management options include planting resistant varieties, maintaining proper plant spacing, and applying fungicides.
- Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that can cause water-soaked lesions on the leaves and pods of Vigna tisserantii, leading to defoliation and yield loss. Management options include planting resistant varieties, avoiding overhead irrigation, and foliar application of copper-based bactericides.
Common Pests
Vigna tisserantii A.Chev. is also susceptible to several insect pests, including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of Vigna tisserantii, causing stunted growth and chlorosis. Management options include maintaining proper plant nutrition and using insecticides.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that can cause yellow and brown streaks on the leaves of Vigna tisserantii, leading to reduced photosynthesis and growth. Management options include planting resistant varieties, maintaining proper plant nutrition, and using insecticides.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are nocturnal larvae that can cut Vigna tisserantii plants at the soil level, leading to plant death. Management options include using physical barriers, such as collars, and using insecticides.
Integrated pest and disease management using a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical practices is the most effective way to manage pests and diseases in Vigna tisserantii crops. Proper crop rotation, sanitation, and timely planting can significantly reduce the incidence of diseases and pests. Cultural practices such as using resistant varieties, maintaining proper plant nutrition, and using pest-resistant companion crops and cover crops can also reduce the impact of pests and diseases. Biological control agents such as predatory mites and bacteria can be used to manage pests, while chemical control options should be used judiciously and only when necessary.