Overview
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. thonningii (Hook.f.) Baker, commonly known as cowpea or wild cowpea, is a perennial legume plant native to tropical Africa.
Appearance
The plant has a multi-branched vine-like structure that grows up to 5 meters in length. The leaves are trifoliate with ovate leaflets and measure up to 10 cm in length. The flowers are small and white in color, and the fruits are hairy pods that contain small seeds.
Common Names
Vigna vexillata var. thonningii has numerous common names, including wild cowpea, zombi pea, asparagus bean, apu, choro, and kwakwa.
Uses
The plant has various medicinal and industrial uses. The roots of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of health conditions, including respiratory illnesses and rheumatism. The seeds are a good source of protein and are used as an ingredient in some traditional African dishes. The plant is also used in soil conservation and as a cover crop to improve soil fertility. Additionally, the plant is used as animal feed and for firewood and charcoal production.
Growth Conditions for Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. thonningii (Hook.f.) Baker
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. thonningii (Hook.f.) Baker belongs to the family Fabaceae and is commonly known as wild cowpea. It is a climbing annual vine that is native to tropical Africa. It is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of conditions, although it prefers warm temperatures, high humidity, and well-drained soils.
Light Requirements
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. thonningii (Hook.f.) Baker prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow optimally. Shaded conditions can lead to weak stems and poor flowering, ultimately leading to decreased productivity.
Temperature Requirements
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. thonningii (Hook.f.) Baker requires warm temperatures to grow, with an optimum temperature range of 25-35°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures up to 40°C, but prolonged exposure to such high temperatures can cause damage to the plant. Low temperatures can also have detrimental effects on the growth and productivity of the plant, with an optimum minimum temperature range of 15-20°C.
Soil Requirements
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. thonningii (Hook.f.) Baker prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5). It can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, it does not do well in waterlogged or poorly drained soils as it can lead to root rot and other diseases. It is also important to note that wild cowpea is a leguminous plant that can fix nitrogen, which makes it beneficial for soil fertility and health.
Cultivation Methods
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. thonningii (Hook.f.) Baker, commonly known as the creeping vigna, is a climbing legume plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It can grow up to 3 meters high and is usually grown as an annual crop. The plant requires a well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 6 to 7.5. It requires lots of sunlight and can be grown in a variety of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, or red loamy soils.
Watering Needs
The creeping vigna requires frequent watering, especially during dry seasons. Water the plant regularly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to regulate watering. Water the plant early in the morning or in the evening to reduce water loss through evaporation. Mulching the soil around the plant can help conserve moisture.
Fertilization
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. thonningii (Hook.f.) Baker requires regular fertilization to thrive. Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers during the planting or flowering stage to promote vigorous growth and high yields. Application of organic matter such as compost, manure, or bone meal enhances soil fertility and provides essential nutrients for the plant. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering and fruiting.
Pruning
Regular pruning is crucial in maintaining the vigor and productivity of Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. thonningii (Hook.f.) Baker. Prune the plant during the dry season by removing any dry or dead plant parts, diseased or pest-infested parts, and any shoots that interfere with air circulation and light penetration. Pruning promotes the production of new and healthier shoots, which leads to increased yields.
Propagation of Vigna vexillata var. thonningii
Vigna vexillata var. thonningii, or the wild cowpea, is propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant can reproduce sexually through seeds. The seeds need to be collected from mature pods that have turned brown. The seeds can then be sown directly into the soil or in seed trays. If sown in seed trays, they need to be transplanted carefully when the seedlings reach a height of about 10 cm.
Asexual Propagation
Vigna vexillata var. thonningii can also be propagated through vegetative means such as cuttings or layering. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems of about 10 cm length and planted in a rooting medium. The cuttings should be placed in a warm, humid place and watered regularly until they start producing roots.
Layering involves placing a low hanging stem of the plant in contact with the soil so that it roots while still attached to the parent plant. When the new plant is well established, it can be carefully separated from the parent plant, potted or transplanted into the desired location.
Disease Management
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. thonningii (Hook.f.) Baker is susceptible to various diseases that can pose significant threats to its growth and yield. Some of the common diseases affecting the plant include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. To manage these diseases, it is essential to adopt preventive measures such as regular monitoring of the plants and practicing crop rotation. Additionally, cultural practices such as pruning and controlling weeds can help reduce the severity of these diseases. In severe cases, the use of chemical fungicides may be necessary.
Pest Management
Like other plants, Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. thonningii (Hook.f.) Baker is vulnerable to insect and pest infestations, which can affect its growth and yield. Common pests affecting the plant include aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites. To control these pests, farmers can use natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings or insecticides. However, care must be taken when selecting insecticides to ensure that they are safe for the plant and the environment.
Another essential strategy in managing pests is to practice good cultural practices such as crop rotation and maintaining a clean farming environment. Farmers should also monitor their plants regularly to detect pest infestations early and take the necessary steps to control them to prevent further damage.
