Origin
Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC., commonly known as Bambara groundnut, is a legume plant that originated in West Africa over 7,000 years ago. It is a crop that is still grown extensively in this region, particularly in Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and Ghana. Bambara groundnuts were introduced to other parts of the world during the slave trade era.
Common Names
Bambara groundnut is known by various names in different regions. Some common names include: Bambara nut, Congo goober, earth pea, ground bean, hog peanut, jugo bean, nyimo bean, and underground pea.
Uses
The Bambara groundnut is a valuable crop in many African countries due to its high nutritional value and resilience to different weather and soil conditions. It is an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients. The plant is also known for its ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. In some regions, Bambara groundnuts are used as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Additionally, the Bambara groundnut is used for multiple culinary purposes. The nuts can be boiled, roasted, fried, or made into flour for use in soups, stews, bread, cakes, and other traditional dishes.
General Appearance
The Bambara groundnut is a creeping plant that typically grows up to 60cm tall. It has a deep taproot system that enables it to tolerate drought and low soil fertility. The leaves are trifoliate and vary in size and shape, depending on the variety. The plant produces yellow flowers that are followed by small, round, and pod-like fruits. The fruits contain 1-2 seeds that are typically reddish-brown, white, or black in color. The seeds themselves are irregular in shape with a slightly wrinkled surface. The plant is well-suited to tropical and subtropical climates, with an optimum temperature range of 25-30°C.
Light Requirements
Voandzeia subterranea, commonly known as Bambara groundnut, requires full sun for proper growth. It can grow in partial shade, but production diminishes significantly. In areas with high temperatures, the plant prefers partial shade, but it does not survive in places with low light intensity.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Voandzeia subterranea is between 25°C and 30°C. At lower temperatures, the growth rate slows down, and at higher temperatures, the plant's development is stunted. The plant is adapted to drought and can tolerate temperatures above 40°C by going into dormancy until favorable conditions return.
Soil Requirements
Voandzeia subterranea can grow in a wide range of soil types but prefers sandy, well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant is susceptible to waterlogging and performs poorly in poorly drained soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-aerated to ensure good root development. The ideal soil texture is sandy loam. The plant has a deep root system extending up to one meter deep, enabling it to withstand drought conditions.
Cultivation of Voandzeia Subterranea (L.) DC.
Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC., also known as Bambara groundnut, is a legume crop that is a significant source of protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. The plant is cultivated in Sub-Saharan Africa and has various uses. Here are some guidelines for successful cultivation of Voandzeia subterranea:
- Choose a well-drained sandy or loamy soil, with a pH close to neutral (6.0-7.5).
- Sow the seeds directly into the soil, about 5-7 cm deep and 15 cm apart, during the rainy season.
- Seed treatment with hot water (50-55°C) for 5-10 minutes before planting controls seed-borne diseases.
- Intercropping with cereals can be useful for weed control and protein complementarity.
- Rotate the cultivation of Voandzeia subterranea with non-leguminous crops to improve soil fertility and reduce pest and disease pressure.
Watering Needs
Voandzeia subterranea requires a sufficient and consistent supply of water for proper growth and development. Here are some watering tips:
- Water the plants immediately after planting to promote germination.
- During the dry season, the crop requires supplementary irrigation to ensure maximum yields.
- The plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand low rainfall regimes, but yields may be lower.
- Avoid overwatering as it can cause waterlogging, which leads to root rot and reduces yield.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is essential for vegetative growth, flowering, and fruit development of Voandzeia subterranea. Here are some important tips:
- Apply 15-20 kg/ha of nitrogen at planting and again four weeks after planting.
- Phosphorus and potassium are essential nutrients for root growth and flowering, respectively.
- Apply 20-30 kg/ha of phosphorus and potassium at planting.
- Other micronutrients like zinc and iron should be applied according to the soil test results.
- Avoid excessive use of nitrogen as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and poor seed yield.
Pruning
Pruning involves the removal of specific plant parts to control plant growth and increase yield. Here are some tips for pruning Voandzeia subterranea:
- Pinch out the growing tips of the plant when they reach a height of 40-50 cm to promote branching.
- Prune the lower branches to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
- Removing damaged or diseased plant parts as soon as they appear helps to contain the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC.
Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC., commonly known as Bambara groundnut, is a drought-tolerant plant that has become increasingly popular as an alternative crop for subsistence farmers in Africa. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Bambara groundnut can be propagated through seeds. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The best time for sowing is during the rainy season. The seeds should be planted in well-drained soil, and care should be taken to maintain adequate moisture levels. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 10 days.
Cuttings
Another method of propagation is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long with at least two nodes. The leaves on the lower nodes should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in well-drained soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be sheltered from direct sunlight until new growth appears.
Division
Bambara groundnut can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and planting them separately. The parent plant should be lifted from the ground and the root system carefully divided into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot and a portion of the root system. These sections can then be planted individually in well-drained soil.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is a relatively new method of propagating Bambara groundnut. This method involves using plant tissue to create new plants. This method is useful for producing a large number of plants quickly and to ensure uniformity. However, tissue culture requires specialized equipment and skills, making it more expensive than other methods of propagation.
Propagation of Voandzeia subterranea (L.) DC. is relatively easy, and farmers can choose the method that suits them best. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and farmers should carefully consider which method is most appropriate for their specific needs and circumstances.
Disease Management for Voandzeia subterranea
There are a few common diseases that can affect Voandzeia subterranea, including:
- Root rot: This is caused by various soil-borne fungi, and it can kill the plant. To prevent root rot, it's important to ensure the soil is well-draining, avoid overwatering, and remove any infected plants immediately.
- Xanthomonas axonopodis: This bacterial disease can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, as well as brown spots. To manage this disease, it's important to remove infected plant material and avoid overhead watering.
- Mycoplasma-like organisms: These microorganisms can cause stunting and yellowing of leaves. There is no known cure for this disease, so the best management strategy is to prevent its spread by removing infected plants and avoiding the use of infected seeds.
Pest Management for Voandzeia subterranea
Some common pests that can affect Voandzeia subterranea include:
- Aphids: These insects can suck sap from the plants, which can cause wilting and the deformation of leaves. To manage aphids, it's important to remove affected plant material and use insecticides if necessary.
- Whiteflies: These insects can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, as well as the production of honeydew (a sugary substance that can attract other pests). To manage whiteflies, it's important to remove affected plant material and use insecticides if necessary.
- Bean pod borer: This pest can cause damage to the pods of the plant, which can reduce yields. To manage this pest, it's important to handpick affected pods and use insecticides if necessary.
Overall, the key to managing both diseases and pests in Voandzeia subterranea is to monitor the plants regularly and take action as soon as any issues are identified. This can help prevent the spread of diseases and the infestation of pests, which can ultimately lead to healthier plants and higher yields.
