Overview of Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper
Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper is a subspecies of the plant Vigna subterranea, which is a legume species in the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as Bambara groundnut or Bambara bean and is widely grown and consumed in African countries. This plant species is unique for its ability to produce edible underground seeds that are high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper is highly valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties, making it an important plant in African traditional medicine.
Origin and Distribution
Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper is believed to have originated in West Africa and is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. It is a traditional crop in many African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, and Cameroon. Due to its nutritional and economic value, the plant is gaining increasing attention in other parts of the world including Asia, Latin America, and the United States.
Appearance
Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper is a member of the Fabaceae family and is a climbing or trailing plant that can grow up to 60 cm in height. It has compound leaves with three leaflets that are oval-shaped and dark green in color. The plant also produces small, white or pink flowers that are arranged in clusters. The edible seeds of Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper are brown and peanut-like, but smaller in size.
Uses
Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper is primarily cultivated for its edible seeds, which are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The seeds are consumed boiled, roasted or ground into flour and used to make soups, stews, and cakes. The leaves of the plant are also edible and can be used in soups and stews. Apart from its nutritional value, the plant also has medicinal properties, such as reducing inflammation and treating stomach disorders. The plant's roots and bark are used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and other ailments.
Additionally, Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper has ecological benefits, such as improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. The plant's ability to withstand drought and variable soil regimes makes it a valuable crop in dry and arid regions.
Finally, Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper has potential economic benefits, as it can be used as a commercial crop, providing income for farmers and improving food security in rural areas.
Light Requirements
The plant Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper requires a high amount of sunlight to grow and thrive. It is recommended to provide the plant with full sun exposure for at least six hours daily. If grown indoors, make sure to keep the plant near a bright window or under artificial grow lights.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper is between 20-25°C. The plant can tolerate a temperature range of 15-30°C, but anything beyond that may negatively affect growth. At lower temperatures, the plant growth is slow, and it may experience yellowing of the leaves.
Soil Requirements
Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range for the growth of the plant is between 6.0-7.5. The soil should have good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The addition of compost or peat moss can help the soil retain nutrients and moisture.
Cultivation methods
Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper, also known as Bambara groundnut, is a warm-season legume that is usually cultivated for its edible seeds. It is mostly grown and consumed in Sub-Saharan Africa. The plant grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 38°C and can grow up to a height of 50 cm.
When planting, it is recommended to space the seeds at least 10 cm apart. Sowing seeds directly in the soil is the most common method of propagation. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 2-3 cm. It is important to ensure that the soil remains moist throughout the germination period.
Watering needs
The Bambara groundnut plant requires enough water to develop an extensive root network, especially during the germination period. The plant needs regular watering, but overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to fungal diseases. It is recommended to water the plant at least twice a week in dry weather. Mulching can also help retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization
While Bambara groundnut is relatively low-maintenance, it still requires proper nutrients to thrive. The plant needs high levels of phosphorus to support root development and seed production. It is recommended to use a complete fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
It is also important to note that Bambara groundnut can fix its own nitrogen, so there may not be a need for applying nitrogen-rich fertilizers. However, if the soil is deficient in nitrogen, small amounts of nitrogen-rich fertilizers can be applied.
Pruning
Pruning is not a common practice for Bambara groundnut, as it is a low-growing and bushy plant. However, it is recommended to remove any dead or diseased parts of the plant to help promote healthy growth. Removing damaged foliage will also help reduce the risk of fungal infections.
Harvesting should be done once the leaves and stems die back and the seeds are mature. Avoid harvesting too early as this can result in unripe seeds that have a low nutrient content.
Propagation of Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper
Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper, commonly known as Bambara groundnut, is typically propagated through seeds or cuttings. Although seed propagation is the most common, vegetative propagation can provide a faster way of multiplication and can preserve the genetic characteristics of the parent plant.
Seed Propagation
Bambara groundnut seeds can be harvested once the pods have ripened and turned brown. After harvesting, the seeds should be left to dry in a well-ventilated area until the moisture content drops to about 10%. The seeds can then be stored in a cool and dry place for a period of about six months.
For propagation, the seeds can be directly sown in the field during the start of the rainy season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 3 centimeters with a spacing of about 30 to 40 centimeters between rows. The seeds typically germinate within 7 to 10 days and the young plants can be thinned out after about 4 weeks, leaving only one plant per hole.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Bambara groundnut involves the use of cuttings to produce new plants that have the same genetic characteristics as the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants during the vegetative phase.
To take cuttings, select a healthy branch of the parent plant and make a clean cut with a sharp knife. The cutting should be about 20 to 30 centimeters long and have at least two nodes. Dip the bottom end of the cutting in rooting hormone and insert it into a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be watered regularly and kept in a well-lit area with moderate humidity until new growth appears.
It is important to note that vegetative propagation of Bambara groundnut is not as common as seed propagation, as the plants are capable of self-pollination and produce a large number of seeds per plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. var. spontanea (Harms) Hepper
Voandzeia subterranea, also known as Bambara groundnut, is a crop that is popular in many regions. However, the plant can be susceptible to various diseases and pests which can affect its yield. Effective disease and pest management can help protect the plant from these issues. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal diseases: The most common fungal diseases that affect Voandzeia subterranea are leaf spot and root rot. Leaf spot can cause yellowing and premature dropping of leaves, while root rot can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage these diseases, farmers should avoid planting in areas with poor drainage, practice crop rotation, and use fungicides as needed.
Viral diseases: Virus diseases such as mosaic and leaf curl can also affect Voandzeia subterranea. Signs of viral infection include stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and deformation of the plant. Farmers should control the spread of aphids, which can transmit viruses, and practice good hygiene by removing infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Pod borer: The pod borer is a common pest that affects the Bambara groundnut. The larvae of the pod borer cause damage by feeding on the pods, which can lead to reduced yield. Farmers can manage pod borers by using insecticides and planting early or late in the season, as the first generation of pod borers occurs in the early part of the season, while the second generation occurs later in the season.
Spider mite: The spider mite is also a common pest that feeds on the Bambara groundnut leaves, causing the leaves to yellow and dry up. Farmers can manage spider mites by practicing good irrigation practices, using insecticides, and practicing crop rotation.
Cutworm: Cutworms can cause damage to young seedlings by cutting through the stem. To manage cutworms, farmers should practice good crop rotation and use insecticides.
In conclusion, Voandzeia subterranea is a popular crop that can be affected by various diseases and pests. However, with good disease and pest management practices, farmers can protect their crops and maintain a healthy yield.
