The botanical name of Vegetable Cowpea is Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.; it belongs to the family Fabaceae
Varieties: CO 2, VBN 2 and Pusa Komal.
Soil: Well drained soil with organic matter. Warm humid climate.
Season: June – July (Rainfed), February – March (irrigated).
Seed rate: 20 kg/ha.
Treat the seeds with 600 g of Rhizobium bacterial culture before sowing as in cluster beans.
Dibble the seeds on both sides of the ridges or in lines in the beds.
Preparation of field: Plough the field to fine tilth. Form ridges and furrows at 45 cm apart or beds of convenient size.
Spacing: 45 x 15 cm.
Irrigation: Give irrigation immediately after sowing and on 3rd day, thereafter once a week.
Application of fertilizers: Apply FYM 25 t, Azospirillum 2 kg and Phosphobacteria 2 kg /ha, and N 25 kg and P 50 kg/ha for irrigated crop. Apply FYM at 12.5 t/ha and N 12.5 kg and P 25 kg/ha for rainfed crop.
After cultivation: Give one hoeing and weeding on 25th day after sowing.
Plant protection against Pests
Aphids: Spray dimethoate 30 EC 1 ml/lit or methyl demeton 25 EC 1 ml/lit.
Pod Borer: Spray endosulfan 35 EC 2ml/lit.
Protection against Diseases
Powdery mildew: Dust Sulphur 25 kg/ha or spray Wettable sulphur 2 g/lit.
Yield: 2500 kg (rainfed) and 5000 kg (irrigated) in a crop duration of 75 to 90 days
