Origin
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc., commonly known as dekindtian cowpea, is a subspecies of the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) that is native to Africa.
Common Names
Dekindtian cowpea is known by a variety of common names in different regions. In Ghana, it is called "zelaa," while in Nigeria it is known as "akukwo." Other names for this plant include "elephant-eye bean" and "catjang cowpea."
Uses
Dekindtian cowpea is an important crop in many parts of Africa. It is often grown as a food crop for human consumption, and is also used as feed for livestock. The seeds of the plant are rich in protein, and are a good source of nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin A. In addition to its nutritional value, the plant is also valued for its medicinal properties. It is used to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, constipation, and diabetes.
General Appearance
Dekindtian cowpea is a climbing annual plant that can reach up to 2 meters in height. It has long, slender stems with alternately arranged leaves that are made up of three leaflets. The plant produces small, white or pale yellow flowers that are followed by elongated pods containing seeds. The seeds are usually light green in color, with a dark "eye" or spot on the surface.
Light Requirements
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc. is a plant that requires a lot of sunshine to grow properly. It thrives in areas where it can receive full sunlight and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If the plant receives too little light, it may not grow to its full potential and may become weak and spindly.
Temperature Requirements
These plants are warm-season legumes that thrive in hot and humid tropical climates. They prefer temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too low, the plant may not grow properly, and if it is too high, it may become stressed and wilt easily. Therefore, it is important to maintain a steady temperature for the optimal growth of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc.
Soil Requirements
The soil in which Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc. grows must be well-drained, fertile, and rich in organic matter. It must be slightly acidic or neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant needs nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow correctly, so it is essential for the soil to contain these nutrients. It is also important to ensure that the soil does not dry out as the plant may not grow well in dry soil.
Cultivation Methods
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc. is a warm-season legume that requires a well-drained, sandy-loam soil for proper growth. It can be cultivated in both dryland and irrigated conditions, with an optimal temperature range of 25°C to 35°C. The seeds can be directly sowed into the soil at a depth of 2-3 cm with a spacing of 30 cm between the rows and 10 cm between the plants.
Watering Needs
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc. requires adequate moisture during the early stages of growth, particularly during flowering and pod development. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, during these periods. Irrigation should be scheduled at regular intervals based on the soil moisture level and climatic conditions.
Fertilization
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc. requires a balanced fertilizer application for optimal growth and yield. A soil test should be conducted to determine the nutrient requirements of the plant. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the essential elements required by this plant. An appropriate fertilizer mixture can be applied at the time of sowing or after the emergence of seedlings.
Pruning
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc. is a bush-type plant that does not require pruning. However, removing the dried pods and yellow leaves can help to increase air circulation and reduce the incidence of diseases.
Propagation of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc.
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc. or commonly known as dekindtiana cowpea is propagated through several methods which include:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc. is through seeds. Cowpea seeds are usually ready for harvesting when the pods dry and the seeds rattle inside the pod. To start, the seeds should be soaked in water for at least 12 hours to speed up germination. After soaking, the seeds can be planted at a depth of 1-2 inches in well-draining soil. Cowpea seeds usually take 7-10 days to germinate, depending on the soil temperature. Cowpea seeds thrive in warm temperatures between 77-95°F (25-35°C), so it is best to plant them during the summer season.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another way to propagate cowpea plants. This method involves taking a cutting from a mature cowpea plant and planting it to develop roots. To start, select a healthy-looking cowpea plant that has not produced any pods. Cut a stem that is 4-6 inches long, and remove all the leaves except the two or three closest to the top. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and warm until roots start to appear, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Cloning
Cloning is the process of propagating cowpea plants from a cutting taken from a mature plant. This method produces plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. Cloning is mostly used by breeders for the propagation of desirable traits. To start, select a mature cowpea plant that has desirable traits. Take a stem cutting from the plant and treat it with rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and warm until roots start to appear.
Disease Management
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc. is susceptible to various diseases. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken spots on leaves, stems, and pods. To manage anthracnose, it is important to practice crop rotation, remove and destroy infected plant debris, and apply fungicides in severe cases.
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight causes dark, water-soaked lesions on leaves and stems, which eventually turn brown. The infected leaves may fall off prematurely. To manage bacterial blight, practice crop rotation, plant disease-free seed, and avoid overhead irrigation. Copper-based and streptomycin-based bactericides can also be used to control the spread of this disease.
Mosaic Virus
Mosaic virus causes yellow and green mottling on leaves. It can also cause stunted growth and reduced yields. To manage mosaic virus, you should remove and destroy infected plants, avoid working with plants when they are wet, and control aphid populations, which can spread the virus.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc. is also susceptible to various pests. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, you should regularly inspect your plants and remove any infested leaves. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphid populations.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellow and bronze spotting and discoloration. To manage spider mites, you should spray your plants with a stream of water to remove them, regularly prune and discard any affected leaves, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control populations.
Bean Leaf Beetles
Bean leaf beetles are small, colorful beetles that feed on the leaves of plants, causing puckering and yellowing of the leaves. To manage bean leaf beetles, you should handpick and remove any visible beetles, use row covers to exclude them from your plants, and apply insecticidal sprays such as pyrethroids.
