Overview
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct., commonly known as the dekindtiana cowpea, is a subspecies of the cowpea plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to West Africa, but is now widely cultivated in various parts of the world due to its numerous uses.
Description
The dekindtiana cowpea is an annual plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height. Its leaves are trifoliate with ovate to rhomboid leaflets that measure 2.5–6 cm long and 1.5–4 cm wide. The flowers are small and white or greenish-yellow in color and are produced in long racemes. The pods are approximately 8-14 cm long, cylindrical in shape, and reddish-brown to black in color when mature.
Common Names
The dekindtiana cowpea is known by various names depending on the region and language. It is commonly called niébé or cowpea in West Africa, while in the United States, it is referred to as southern pea, black-eyed pea, and crowder pea.
Uses
The dekindtiana cowpea has many uses. Its seeds are a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. They are commonly used as food in various dishes, such as soups, stews, and salads. The leaves and young pods are also edible and are used as vegetables in many cuisines. The plant is also used for soil improvement due to its ability to fix nitrogen, making it a valuable crop for sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diabetes, fever, and hypertension.
In conclusion, the dekindtiana cowpea is a versatile plant with many uses. Its nutritional and medicinal value make it an important crop in many regions of the world, while its ability to improve soil fertility makes it a valuable tool in sustainable agriculture.
Light Requirements
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct. requires full sunlight to grow optimally. It can tolerate partial shade for a short period but not for extended periods. The plant needs at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. It cannot tolerate frost and needs protection during the cold season. The minimum temperature required for V. unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct. to survive is 15°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soils with good water-holding capacity. V. unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct. grows well in sandy loam soils with a neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be fertile with a good balance of organic matter and nutrients. Soil moisture must not be too high as the plant is susceptible to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct.
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct. is a warm-season legume crop that requires well-draining soil. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. The crop can be grown in rows or on beds. For row cultivation, the seeds or cuttings should be planted about 2-3 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart. For bed cultivation, the seeds should be planted about 2-3 cm deep and 30 cm apart in a row, with a gap of 60-70 cm between the rows.
Watering Needs for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct.
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct. requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered immediately after planting and during the germination process. After the germination process, the plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the flowering and podding stages.
Fertilization for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct.
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct. requires moderate fertilization. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided as this leads to excessive vegetative growth. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10:10:10 or 15:15:15 should be applied at the time of planting. Additional fertilizer should be applied after the first harvest and during the second harvest.
Pruning for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct.
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct. does not require pruning as the plant has a bushy growth habit. However, diseased or damaged leaves and stems should be removed to prevent the spread of disease to other parts of the plant.
Propagation of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct.
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct., commonly referred to as the cowpea or southern pea, is a warm-season vegetable that can be propagated in a number of ways. The following are some of the techniques that can be applied for propagating this plant:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be obtained from mature pods that have naturally dried and turned brown or from pods that have reached full size and maturity, but have been picked before they dry out. Seeds can be sown directly in the field or in trays in a greenhouse to enable timely transplanting. Seeds should be sown to a depth of approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in well-drained, fertile soil. Cowpeas are very sensitive to frost, so they should be protected appropriately. Germinating seeds need to be kept moist but not excessively wet. Approximately 10–14 days after planting, the seeds should germinate and develop into seedlings.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation by cuttings can be an easy and effective way of creating new plants. To propagate Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct. from cuttings, take cuttings from softwood, semi-hardwood, or hardwood pruned canes. Remove all leaves, bar the top two or three, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil in containers or in rows. Keep the soil moist for at least two weeks until the root systems become established. Transplant the plants into the field in keeping with appropriate cultivation practices.
Layering Propagation
Layering is another method for propagating Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct. This approach involves bending a low branch downwards and burying it partly in the soil while still attached to the parent plant. Once the buried portion of the stem has sprouted roots, it can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into the field. It is important to care for the new plant like any other plant in the field until it is established.
Disease and Pest Management for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct.
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct., commonly known as cowpea, is a crop that is highly susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can lead to significant economic losses. Effective management of these diseases and pests is essential to ensure crop productivity and profitability. Below are some common diseases and pests that affect Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct. and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, petioles, stems, and pods of the cowpea plant, resulting in the formation of dark, sunken lesions. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to use resistant varieties, rotate crops and avoid planting cowpeas in areas where the disease has been prevalent, and apply fungicides when necessary.
Brown spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Septoria vignae and leads to the development of brown spots on the leaves, stems, and pods of the cowpea plant. The disease spreads through rain and irrigation water, and infected plant debris. Cultural methods such as crop rotation, planting resistant varieties, and removing infected debris can help manage the disease. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease, especially when the infection levels are high.
Mosaic viruses: Various strains of mosaic virus can infect cowpea plants, resulting in stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced yield. To manage mosaic viruses, it is recommended to use virus-free seed, employ crop rotation practices, and remove infected plants from the field early. Insect control measures, such as planting barriers or using insecticides, can also be helpful in preventing the transmission of viruses by insects.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant leaves, distorting their growth and reducing the yield of the cowpea plant. They also transmit viral diseases. To manage aphids, it is advised to encourage natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings by planting companion plants. Application of insecticides can also be useful, but it should be done with caution to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Cowpea weevil: This is a significant pest that feeds on the seeds of the cowpea plant, leading to losses in yield and quality. The best method of control for cowpea weevils is to store the harvested beans in a cool, dry place and fumigate them with insecticides.
Root-knot nematodes: These microscopic worms live in the soil and damage the roots of the cowpea plant, leading to stunted growth, reduced yield, and even death. To manage root-knot nematodes, it is recommended to use nematode-free seedlings, maintain proper soil moisture levels, apply organic amendments, use crop rotation, and apply nematicides when necessary.
In conclusion, effective management of diseases and pests is critical to the success of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. dekindtiana auct. crop production. Understanding the symptoms of these pests and diseases, implementing preventative measures, using resistant cultivars as well as utilizing chemical controls when necessary can help minimize economic losses from these threats.
