Origin
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. protracta (E.Mey.) B.J.Pienaar is commonly known as cowpea and was first domesticated in West Africa. It is now widely cultivated in many parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Common Names
The common names of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. protracta (E.Mey.) B.J.Pienaar vary depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly called cowpea or southern pea. In West Africa, it is known as niebe or black-eyed beans. In Latin American countries, it is referred to as frijol de vaca or frijol caupi.
Uses
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. protracta (E.Mey.) B.J.Pienaar is an important food crop in many countries, especially in Africa. The young leaves and tender green pods are cooked and eaten as a vegetable, while the mature seeds are dried and used as a protein source in soups and stews. Cowpea is also used as animal feed and for soil improvement due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.
General Appearance
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. protracta (E.Mey.) B.J.Pienaar is a drought-tolerant, annual, leguminous plant that can grow up to 2 meters high. It has compound leaves with 3 leaflets that are up to 15 cm long. The flowers are small and come in various colors, including white, pink, and purple. The fruit is a long, thin pod that contains 10-12 edible seeds. The seeds vary in color, with most having a white or brown coat and a distinctive black spot on one end, resembling a cow's eye.
Growth Conditions for Vigna unguiculata subsp. protracta
Vigna unguiculata subsp. protracta, commonly known as the bambara groundnut or simply bambara nut, is a plant species that is grown for its edible seeds. Here is a detailed look at the typical growth conditions:
Light Requirements
The bambara nut plant prefers full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. It requires about six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
Vigna unguiculata subsp. protracta is a warm-season crop that prefers hot temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 27° to 32°C (80° to 90°F). However, it can also tolerate temperatures as low as 20°C (68°F) and as high as 40°C (104°F).
Soil Requirements
The bambara nut plant is adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-draining sandy loam soil. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth. High soil fertility is not necessary, and the plant can grow in poor soil conditions.
Water Requirements
The bambara nut plant requires regular watering, especially during the flowering and pod development stages. Over-watering should be avoided as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive on low rainfall and erratic watering.
Fertilizer Requirements
Although the bambara nut can grow in poor soil conditions, fertilizers can help increase yields. The application of nitrogen at the rate of 40 to 60 kg/ha at planting and subsequent topdressing with 40 to 60 kg/ha of phosphorus and potassium are recommended for optimal growth.
Cultivation methods:
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. protracta (E.Mey.) B.J.Pienaar, also known as the Cowpea, is a heat-tolerant and drought-resistant plant that can thrive in a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay soils. It grows best in areas with a temperature range between 25-35°C. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or transplanted from seedlings.
Watering needs:
Cowpea requires regular watering during the growing season to ensure proper growth. It is recommended to water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil's moisture level. Avoid overwatering the plants as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization:
It is best to apply fertilizers to the soil before sowing or transplanting the Cowpea seedlings. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 is recommended for optimal growth. Applying organic fertilizers such as compost or manure once a month can improve soil fertility and provide additional nutrients to the plants.
Pruning:
Cowpea plants do not require extensive pruning. However, it is advisable to remove the dead or yellow leaves regularly to prevent the spread of diseases. Pinching off the tips of the main stem and branches can encourage bushier growth and increase the yield of the plants.
Propagation Methods of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. protracta (E.Mey.) B.J.Pienaar
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. protracta (E.Mey.) B.J.Pienaar is commonly propagated through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seed. The seeds should be collected when they are mature and dry. They should then be soaked in water for a few hours before sowing. The ideal sowing time is during spring and early summer. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. They should be watered regularly, but care should be taken not to overwater them. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 10 days.
Cutting Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken from healthy, well-established plants during spring. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should have a few leaves attached to them. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in well-drained soil. Care should be taken to keep the soil moist and to protect the cuttings from direct sunlight. Rooting usually occurs within 3 to 4 weeks.
Division Propagation
Division is another propagation method for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. protracta (E.Mey.) B.J.Pienaar. This method involves separating the plant into several smaller sections and planting them individually. The ideal time for division is during early spring when the plant is still dormant. Care should be taken to ensure that each section has enough roots to support its growth. The sections should be planted in well-drained soil and watered regularly until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. protracta (E.Mey.) B.J.Pienaar
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. protracta (E.Mey.) B.J.Pienaar, commonly known as the cowpea, is a drought-tolerant legume that is widely grown in many parts of the world. Despite its hardiness, it can still be affected by diseases and pests that can significantly reduce the yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods of the cowpea plant. The disease can be managed by applying fungicides such as copper-based sprays and chlorothalonil to the affected plants. However, preventive measures such as crop rotation, removal of infected plant debris, and planting disease-resistant varieties are the most effective ways to manage anthracnose.
Mosaic Virus: This is a viral disease that stunts the growth of the plant and produces mosaic-like patterns on its leaves. The disease is transmitted by aphids and other insects. To manage mosaic virus, it is important to control the population of insect vectors through the use of insecticides or by planting insect-repellent crops. Infected plants must be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.
Common Pests
Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing the plant to wilt and become stunted. They also transmit diseases such as mosaic virus. To manage aphids, beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to prey on them. Insecticides containing neem oil or pyrethrins can also be used.
Cowpea Curculio: This is a weevil that feeds on the pods of the cowpea plant, causing them to rot and drop prematurely. To manage cowpea curculio, the plants should be inspected regularly, and affected pods should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the weevils. Insecticides containing spinosad or pyrethrins can also be used.
By implementing preventive measures and using appropriate chemical controls when necessary, it is possible to manage diseases and pests that might affect Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. protracta (E.Mey.) B.J.Pienaar and ensure a healthy and productive crop.
