Origin
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al., commonly known as the "Gubinge cowpea" or "Gubinge sesbania", is a subspecies of the cowpea plant (Vigna unguiculata) that originates from Western Australia and the Northern Territory in Australia.
Common Names
The Gubinge cowpea is commonly known as the Gubinge sesbania, native pea, wild cowpea, beach bean, Australian cowpea, and karban.
Uses
The Gubinge cowpea is commonly used as a medicinal plant as it contains a high concentration of vitamin C, and is used in traditional medicine to treat colds and flu, as well as to boost the immune system. The plant is also used in bush tucker as food, and the leaves and seeds are edible. The seeds are typically cooked and eaten in the same way as other types of cowpeas. Additionally, the plant can be used for erosion control due to its ability to grow in poor soils and high salt environments.
General Appearance
The Gubinge cow pea is a shrub that can grow up to 4 meters high. The plant has a narrow, cylindrical shape with a sparse foliage consisting of green compound leaves that are up to 20 cm long. The flowers are small and yellow, and the fruit is a cylindrical pod that contains seeds which are typically green or brown in color.
Growth Conditions for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al.
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al. is a sub-species of cowpea that is native to Africa. It is an important crop that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is well adapted to hot and dry conditions and is often grown in semi-arid and arid regions.
Light Requirements
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al. requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 25-35°C during the day and a minimum of 20°C at night. It does not tolerate frost or cold temperatures. When the temperature drops below the required range, the plants may fail to thrive or even die.
Soil Requirements
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al. grows well in well-drained sandy-loam soils that are deep and fertile. The plant has a deep root system that enables it to extract water and nutrients from lower soil depths. Soil pH should be between 6.0 to 6.5, and the soil should be rich in organic matter. The plant does not grow well in waterlogged soils or those with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al. is an annual leguminous plant that is easy to grow. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, well-draining soil, and a warm climate. This plant can tolerate a range of soil types, but it prefers a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. It can be grown using both seed and seedling methods. Seed sowing involves planting the seeds directly in the soil at a depth of 1-2 inches. The seeds should be spaced 2-4 inches apart, and the rows should be spaced 24-36 inches apart. Seedling transplantation involves growing seeds in trays, and then transplanting the seedlings to the garden when they reach 3-4 inches in height.Watering Needs
The Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al. plant requires regular watering to maintain its growth and productivity. It is recommended to water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil type. Care should be taken not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot. During hot and dry spells, the plants should be watered more frequently.Fertilization
Fertilizer application is necessary for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al. to produce bountiful and healthy crops. Before planting, it is recommended to incorporate a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 at a rate of two pounds per 100 square feet of the planting area. Additionally, a side dressing of nitrogen fertilizer can be applied periodically during the growing season. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizers to prevent overapplication, which can lead to leaf burn or plant death.Pruning
Pruning helps to keep Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al. plants healthy and productive. The plant produces long and trailing branches that can easily break if not managed properly. To maintain the plant's shape and prevent overcrowding, it is recommended to prune regularly. Pruning should be done when the plant is young and during the growing season. The aim should be to remove the lateral branches and the dead and diseased leaves. This helps to increase air circulation and sunlight penetration, which are essential for plant growth and yield. During harvesting, it is recommended to trim the ends of the branches to prevent seed shattering.Propagation of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al.
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al. can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al. can be propagated through seeds. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and be kept moist until germination. The germination period typically ranges from 5-10 days. Seedlings can be transplanted once they have grown enough to handle.
Cuttings Propagation
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and make a clean cut below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist. Rooting should occur within a few weeks, and the plant can be transplanted once it has grown enough to handle.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting allows for propagation of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al. varieties that are difficult to root or are susceptible to soil-borne diseases. The scion, the desired variety, is grafted onto a rootstock of a different but related species that has good root vigor and disease resistance. Grafting should be done during the plant's dormant season for best results.
Disease and Pest Management for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al.
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal et al., commonly known as cowpea, is an important crop widely cultivated for its nutritious seeds. However, like all crops, cowpea is susceptible to many diseases and pests that can cause significant yield losses. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests affecting cowpea plants and their management:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects leaves, pods, and stems of cowpea plants. Symptoms include circular spots on leaves, which turn brown with time, and sunken lesions on pods that may cause cracking and deformation. To manage anthracnose, avoid growing susceptible varieties and practice crop rotation. In addition, apply fungicides at the first sign of the disease.
2. Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that affects cowpea leaves, stems, and pods. Symptoms include water-soaked spots that turn brown and coalesce into large necrotic areas. The disease can be controlled by using pathogen-free seeds, avoiding overhead irrigation, and practicing crop rotation. In addition, apply copper-based fungicides to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, use biological control agents such as lady beetles or lacewings. Also, avoid over-fertilization with nitrogen, which can increase aphid populations. In addition, apply insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control severe infestations.
2. Thrips: Thrips are very small insects that feed on plant sap and cause silvery streaks on leaves. Severe infestations can cause leaf curling and stunted growth. To manage thrips, use sticky traps to trap and kill adult insects. Also, avoid over-fertilization with nitrogen, which can increase thrips populations. In addition, apply insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control severe infestations.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is essential for a successful cowpea crop. By using integrated pest management strategies such as crop rotation, disease-resistant varieties, and biological control agents, farmers can reduce the use of chemical pesticides and maintain a healthy and productive crop.
