Origin
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. pubescens (R.Wilczek) Pasquet, commonly known as the hairy cowpea, is a subspecies of the species Vigna unguiculata. The plant is native to Africa but is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Common Names
The hairy cowpea is known by many common names, including catjang, speckled cowpea, southern pea, black-eyed pea, China bean, and frijoles.
Uses
The hairy cowpea is a valuable crop in many regions due to its high protein and nutritional content. The plant is also used as animal feed and as a cover crop to improve soil quality. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory infections. The leaves and seeds of the plant are used to make a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and salads.
General Appearance
The hairy cowpea is a vining plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are dark green, oblong, and grow in groups of three. The flowers are pale yellow and grow in clusters along the stem. The pods are slender and elongated, ranging in color from green to a pale yellow. The seeds are kidney-shaped and range in color from black to white, with a distinctive black spot on one side.
Growth Conditions for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. pubescens (R.Wilczek) Pasquet
Light: This plant thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature: Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. pubescens (R.Wilczek) Pasquet prefers warm temperatures between 75-85°F during the day and not below 60°F at night. It is sensitive to frost and cannot survive in freezing temperatures.
Soil: This plant grows well in a well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. The soil should be fertile, rich in organic matter, and loose to allow good root penetration. It can tolerate some salinity in the soil but not excessive levels.
Water: Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. pubescens (R.Wilczek) Pasquet requires adequate water supply throughout its growth cycle. The plant grows well in areas with evenly distributed rainfall of about 50-75 inches per year. In areas with insufficient rainfall, irrigation is needed.
Fertilization: This plant requires nitrogen and phosphorus in sufficient quantities for optimal growth. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 2-1-1 is recommended. Fertilizer is applied at planting time and during the growing season in 4-6 weeks intervals.
Companion Planting: Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. pubescens (R.Wilczek) Pasquet is a leguminous plant that can fix nitrogen in the soil. It benefits from planting alongside other crops like maize, sorghum, and millet. It also grows well with cowpea and peanut, which are in the same family, as they have similar growth requirements.
Cultivation Methods
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. pubescens (R.Wilczek) Pasquet commonly known as cowpea thrives well in warm climates and can perform well in different soil types. It is a very adaptable plant that can be grown in both rainfed and irrigated systems. The plant requires a pH range of 6-7.5 for optimum growth and development. The soil should also be well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
Cowpea can be propagated either by seed or vegetatively. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 inches and spaced about 6-8 inches apart. For vegetative propagation, cuttings can be taken from the mother plant and planted in a well-prepared bed with adequate watering. The plant should be protected from pests and diseases.
Watering Needs
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. pubescens (R.Wilczek) Pasquet requires moderate watering, especially during its growth phase. The plant should be watered regularly, but it is essential to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. The ideal time to water cowpea is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent water loss through evaporation.
The amount of water required for cowpea depends on several factors, such as the stage of growth, weather conditions, and soil type. In general, the plant should be watered every 3-5 days in the absence of rainfall.
Fertilization
Cowpea is a leguminous plant, which means it can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. However, it still requires some nutrients to thrive. Before planting, it is recommended to add organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility. Organic matter such as compost, manure, or crop residues can improve soil structure and prevent nutrient loss through leaching.
Additional fertilization can be done using nitrogen-rich fertilizers such as urea or ammonium sulfate. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can also be added, depending on the soil's nutrient status. It is essential to follow the recommended rates of fertilizer application to prevent nutrient overload, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. pubescens (R.Wilczek) Pasquet does not require extensive pruning. However, it is essential to remove any dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of diseases. Removing dead branches also encourages the growth of new branches, leading to a bushy plant.
The plant can benefit from pinching the tips of young branches after the first few leaves have developed. Pinching the tips encourages branching, leading to a more extensive plant canopy and an increased yield. It is advisable to avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce the yield of the plant.
Propagation of Vigna unguiculata subsp. pubescens
Vigna unguiculata subsp. pubescens, commonly known as the hairy cowpea, is a crop that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a drought-tolerant plant that is widely grown in Africa, Asia, and Latin America for its nutritious seeds and leaves. This plant can be propagated through various methods which are:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Vigna unguiculata subsp. pubescens is through seeds. Seeds should be collected from healthy plants during the harvesting season. Seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-3 cm in well-draining soil. The best time to plant the seeds is during the rainy season to ensure that there is enough moisture for germination. After planting, the soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged to facilitate germination.
Cutting Propagation
Vigna unguiculata subsp. pubescens can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings should be collected from healthy plants and planted in a well-draining medium. The cuttings should be placed in a shaded area and kept moist by frequent watering. The cuttings should develop roots within 2-3 weeks and can then be transplanted into pots or directly in the main field.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another method of propagating Vigna unguiculata subsp. pubescens. It involves joining a scion of the desired cultivar to a rootstock of a compatible cultivar. This method is commonly used to propagate improved cultivars since it allows for the transfer of desirable traits from the scion to the rootstock. Grafting should be done by a skilled propagator to ensure a high success rate.
Overall, Vigna unguiculata subsp. pubescens is a versatile plant that can be easily propagated through various methods. The choice of propagation method depends on the production goals, availability of resources, and the plant's genetic characteristics.
Disease Management for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. pubescens (R.Wilczek) Pasquet
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. pubescens (R.Wilczek) Pasquet, also known as cowpea, is known to be affected by various diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect cowpea plants are Anthracnose, Bacterial blight, Cercospora leaf spot, Common mosaic virus, and Southern blight.
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes irregularly shaped brown spots on the leaves, stems, and pods. To prevent Anthracnose, farmers should avoid planting cowpeas in areas that were previously infected by the disease. The use of resistant varieties, crop rotation, and fungicides can also help manage Anthracnose.
Bacterial blight is another disease that affects cowpeas, causing angular water-soaked spots on the leaves, stems, and pods. Farmers can prevent Bacterial blight by removing infected plants, using disease-free seeds, and avoiding overhead irrigation. Copper-based bactericides can also help control the spread of the disease.
Cercospora leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, dark spots on the leaves. It can be managed by using resistant varieties, crop rotation, and fungicides. Farmers should also avoid planting cowpeas in areas with poor drainage and maintain proper spacing to promote air circulation and reduce moisture.
Common mosaic virus is a virus that affects cowpeas, causing yellow mottling and stunted growth. It can be prevented by using virus-free seeds, controlling aphid populations, and avoiding planting cowpeas near infected crops. There's no cure for the Common mosaic virus, so prevention is key.
Southern blight is a fungal disease that causes wilting and yellowing of cowpea plants. To manage Southern blight, farmers should avoid planting cowpeas on infested soil, crop rotation, and use of fungicides.
Pest Management for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. pubescens (R.Wilczek) Pasquet
Apart from diseases, cowpea plants are also affected by pests. The common pests that affect cowpeas include aphids, thrips, pod borers, and spider mites.
Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to distort and turn yellow. To control aphids, farmers can introduce natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, or use insecticidal soap and oil sprays.
Thrips cause damage to cowpeas by sucking the sap, causing leaf curling, and stunted growth. Good weed control, crop rotation, and the use of insecticidal sprays can control thrips.
Pod borers are caterpillars that feed on the pods of cowpeas, causing significant yield loss. Handpicking and destroying infested pods, the use of pheromone traps, and the use of insecticidal sprays can control pod borers.
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the leaves by sucking the sap, causing yellow stippling and webbing. Farmers can control spider mites by using insecticidal soap and oils or introducing natural predators like ladybugs and mites.
