Origin
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct., commonly known as Cowpea, is native to Africa and is widely grown in warm regions of the world, including Asia, North and South America.
Common Names
Cowpea is known by several names in different parts of the world, some of the common names include black-eyed pea, southern pea, niebe, and southern cowpea.
Uses
Cowpea is an important crop and is consumed as a food by people in many parts of the world. In Africa, it is a staple and a vital source of protein for millions of people. Cowpeas are also used as animal feed and as a component in soil conservation and improvement.
General Appearance
Cowpea is a short, annual plant that can grow to about 1 metre tall. It has a deep taproot and a bushy foliage that bears compound leaves, usually with three leaflets. The flowers are white or cream-colored and are clustered in groups of two to six. The fruit is an elongated pod that can be green, yellow, or purple, and contains seeds that are usually cream-colored with a black spot on one end.
Light Requirements:
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. is a plant that requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. Therefore, it is important to position the plant in an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. This plant can handle some shade, but it still requires ample light to grow and produce a healthy harvest.
Temperature Requirements:
The optimum temperature range for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. is between 23-28°C. Temperature below 18°C can slow down plant growth and reduce the quality and quantity of its yields. This plant does not tolerate frost or high-temperature extremes very well. In regions that experience extreme temperatures, it is advisable to plant the crop during periods of more moderate temperatures.
Soil Requirements:
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. performs well in well-drained, fertile, and sandy soils. It has a deep root system, which means it can access nutrients and water from the lower surface layers effectively. This variety also thrives in areas with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. It is also recommended to plant the crop in areas where there is adequate organic matter content. Proper soil preparation and maintenance are necessary for the plant to grow and produce high-quality yields.
Cultivation Methods
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. is a warm-season crop that requires a minimum temperature of 18°C for the best germination and growth. It is recommended to sow the seeds directly in the field after all dangers of frost have passed. In areas with short growing seasons, it may be necessary to start the seeds indoors a few weeks before the anticipated transplant date. The plant prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH level of 5.5 to 6.5.
Watering Needs
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. requires moderate watering throughout its growth cycle. The plant is drought-tolerant, but lack of water can affect its yield and quality. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging, which can cause root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. is a nitrogen-fixing plant that can obtain most of its nutrient requirements from the soil. However, it may benefit from the addition of organic matter or nitrogen fertilizer to promote growth and yield. It is recommended to add fertilizers before planting or at the early stage of growth. Excessive nitrogen fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. does not require extensive pruning. However, it may benefit from the removal of dead or diseased plant parts to promote overall health and growth. It is also recommended to remove side shoots or suckers that grow from the base of the plant to prevent overcrowding and promote better air circulation. If the plant becomes too leggy or top-heavy, staking or trellising may be necessary to provide support.
Propagation of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct.
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. is a warm-season legume. The plant is propagated by seeds and vegetatively through root cutting and stem cutting.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. The ideal temperature range for germination is between 25°C and 30°C. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2 to 3 cm in well-drained soils. It is important to keep the soil moist during the germination period.
Root cutting
Propagation of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. can also be done through root cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be approximately 6 to 10 cm in length. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist until they develop roots.
Stem cutting
Propagation of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. can also be done through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature stems and should be approximately 10 to 15 cm in length. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist until they develop roots.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to ensure that the newly propagated plants are kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct.
Despite being a resilient plant, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. is still susceptible to diseases and pests. To ensure that this crop remains healthy and yields the expected results, the following measures should be taken.
Common Diseases
There are several diseases that can affect Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct., and these include angular leaf spot, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. Angular leaf spot presents itself as water-soaked lesions that later become necrotic. This disease can be managed by planting disease-resistant varieties and by practicing crop rotation.
Anthracnose is another disease that affects this plant and is characterized by sunken spots with dark borders on the stems, pods, and leaves. To minimize this disease's impact, infected plant parts should be destroyed, and the surrounding areas sanitized.
Powdery mildew is yet another disease that poses a threat to Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. Plants infected with this disease show white powdery spots on the leaves that later turn yellow and drop. To manage powdery mildew, one can opt for disease-resistant varieties, avoid excessive fertilization, and conduct routine crop scouting.
Common Pests
When it comes to pests, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. is prone to a wide range of pests, including spider mites, stem borers, and aphids. Spider mites cause chlorosis, weakening of the plants, and stunted growth. One can control spider mites by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap, properly regulating irrigation, and avoiding chemical sprays.
Stem borers are also a common pest that affects Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. This pest attacks the stem, and if left unchecked, it can weaken the plant and affect the yield. One of the best ways to manage stem borers is to remove infested plant parts. Where the infestation is severe, systemic insecticides should be used.
Aphids, on the other hand, suck sap from the plants, causing them to become yellow and weak. One can manage aphids by using pest-resistant varieties, practicing crop rotation, and keeping the crops devoid of weeds.
Overall, it's important to monitor Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. mensensis auct. crops regularly to detect and manage pests and diseases early. Doing so ensures that the yield is not compromised.
