Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet is a species of the Fabaceae family. It is a climbing annual plant that can grow up to 3 meters tall.
Origin
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet is native to tropical regions of Asia including India, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Common names
The common names for Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet include creeping cowpea, wild vigna, and twining vigna.
Uses
The seeds of Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet are edible and can be cooked or roasted. The leaves are also consumed in some regions. The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as heart conditions, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
General appearance
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet has a slender stem that twines around surrounding vegetation. It has pinnately compound leaves, with 4 to 12 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small and yellow, and the pods are curved and contain 3 to 6 seeds per pod.
Light Requirements
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet is a tropical plant that requires plenty of sunlight for optimal growth. It grows best in full sunlight, ideally receiving six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with extremely strong sunlight, partial shade may be beneficial to prevent plant stress.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures, with optimal growth occurring in temperatures between 25°C to 35°C. Temperatures above or below this range can slow down plant growth or reduce yields. In cooler regions, planting should occur during the warm season, and the plant can be grown as an annual crop.
Soil Requirements
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet grows best in well-drained, fertile soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0). The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water-holding capacity. The plant can tolerate sandy or loamy soils and can also grow in soils with poor fertility, although this can affect yields.
Cultivation Methods
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet is a plant that can either be grown as an annual or perennial. In areas with harsh winters, it can be grown as an annual, while in areas with milder winters, it can be grown as a perennial. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant is best grown from seeds that have been soaked in water for at least 24 hours before planting.
Watering Needs
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet prefers soil that is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season or as needed, depending on the weather conditions. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. During the dormant season, reduce watering to once every 2-3 weeks.
Fertilization
When planting the Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet, add compost or well-rotted manure to provide adequate nutrients. During the growing season, feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer (i.e. 10-10-10) every two to three months. Alternatively, organic fertilizers such as bone meal or fish emulsion can be used. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can promote excessive foliage growth and reduce flower and fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet, but it can be done to help promote bushier growth and to control its size. Pinching the tips of the stems when the plant is young can help encourage branching and promote a fuller plant. Deadheading spent flowers can also help promote continuous blooming.
Propagation Methods for Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet, commonly known as the creeping vigna, is a tropical legume plant that is native to Southeast Asia. It is an herbaceous plant with weak stems that can grow up to 1 meter long.
The plant can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest and most common methods of propagation for Vigna vexillata var. lobatifolia is through seeds. The plant produces large, hard seeds that can be planted in the ground or in seed trays.
The seeds should be soaked in water for about 12 hours before planting to improve germination rates. Sow the seeds in well-drained soil about 2cm deep and keep them moist. The plants will usually germinate within 7 to 14 days.
Vegetative Propagation
Vigna vexillata var. lobatifolia can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings. Choose healthy stems that are about 10-15cm long and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a partially shady location. It may take 3-4 weeks for the cuttings to root and start sprouting leaves.
Cuttings
The plant can also be propagated by taking stem or root cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy mature plants that are free from pests and diseases. The cuttings should be about 8-10cm long with a few leaves on top. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil or a pot filled with compost. Keep the soil or compost moist and place the cuttings in a warm, humid environment to encourage root growth. After about 2-3 weeks, the cuttings should start to develop roots. Once established, the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, there are some diseases that may affect the plant, such as
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and causes the leaves to turn yellow and brown. To manage anthracnose, practice crop rotation, sanitation, and plant debris removal. Fungicides can also be used.
- Mosaic virus: This disease causes yellow, distorted leaves and stunted growth. It is transmitted through infected seeds or by sap-sucking insects. Control measures include removing infected plants and controlling pests.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing infected plant debris, practicing crop rotation, and using fungicides.
Pest Management
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. lobatifolia (Baker) Pasquet is susceptible to a few pests that can damage the plant. These pests include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and deform. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that puncture the leaf cell walls and suck sap. They cause the leaves to turn yellow and brown. Control measures include removing weeds around the plants and using insecticides.
- Moths and caterpillars: Moths and caterpillars can cause significant damage to the plant by chewing on leaves and stems. To manage these pests, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or other insecticides.
It is important to regularly inspect plants for diseases and pests, and to take appropriate action as soon as they are identified. This can help in controlling the spread of diseases and pests, and in promoting healthy plant growth.
