Native to the Indian sub-continent (Swaminathan et al., 2012), Vigna aconitifolia has several adaptations that help it thrive in arid conditions. V. aconitifolia quickly develops a deep tap root supporting its semi-erect growth (Figure 14). Its canopy coverage moderates soil temperature, helping to conserve soil moisture and protect the soil from erosive forces of wind and water. V. aconitifolia is a multipurpose legume crop that you can use for green manure, food, fodder, and feed (Rani et al., 2023). Its versatility makes it a practical option for productive fallow for small-scale farmers (Sadashivanagowda et al., 2017).

Climate

Adapted to marginal lands, V. aconitifolia grows in a wide range of environments. Once established, V. aconitifolia is drought resistant, able to pass 30 to 40 days without rain in open fields, withstanding temperatures of 45°C (Kanishka et al., 2023). The ideal growing temperature range is 25 to 37°C, and it needs 250 to 500 mm of rain; proper drainage is necessary for higher rainfall areas (Rani et al.,2023). Not surprisingly, with these attributes, V. aconitifolia is included in Climate Smart Agriculture systems.

Cultivation

V. aconitifolia prefers light-textured soils like sandy loam and, with proper drainage, will tolerate clayey soils (Ganapathy et al., 2024). Sow seeds at a depth of 2.5 to 4 cm (Tiwari et al., 2017 and 2020) in prepared soil at a time when seeds get enough water for germination, and at least some water during flowering.

Common spacing is 30 cm x 10 cm (Ganapathy et al., 2024; Choudhary et al., 2021); but some authorities recommend a range of 30 to 45 cm between rows and 10 to 20 cm between plants (Tiwari et al., 2017). Research by Sadashivanagowda et al. (2017) showed that a local variety produced significantly higher seed yield (983 kg/ha; 17.6 g/plant) when spaced at 45 x 10 cm and supplied with 2.5 t/ha of farmyard manure.

Fertilizer recommendations are modest, at 10 to 15 kg/ha N and 30 to 40 kg/ha P₂O₅ (Tiwari et al., 2020).4 Ruheentaj et al. (2020) trialed varying combinations of inorganic and organic fertility inputs and found that the highest grain yield (625 kg/ha) was obtained with 12.5 kg/ha of N, 25 kg/ha of P₂O₅, and 1 t/ha of vermicompost. They concluded that combining inorganic fertilizer and organic soil amendments sustains higher crop yields while maintaining soil properties.

Farmers commonly intercrop V. aconitifolia with pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), mung bean (Vigna mungo) and sesame (Sesamum indicum) (Tiwari et al., 2017). Farmers also rotate V. aconitifolia with crops such as mustard (Brassica juncea) (Tiwari et al., 2020) or cumin (Cuminum cyminum) (Choudhary et al., 2021) to improve the fallow cropping system.

Weed 30 days after planting and harvest when the seed pods are mature. At maturity, the seeds will be loose in pods turning brown with yellowing leaves (Tiwari et al., 2020). 

Pests

Common pests are aphids (Aphidoidea), jassids (Cicadellidae), white fly (Bemisia Tabaci), legume pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera), and termites (Natatoriums obesus and Microtermes obesi) (Choundhary et al., 2021; Tiwari et al., 2017). Additional pests include thrips (Caltrops indicus), mites (Acariformes), and white grub (Phyllophaga spp.). Adzuki bean weevil (Calosobruchus chinensis) is a pest of stored grain, controlled by neem leaves/cake. The natural soil organisms Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana control termites (ICRAR-NBAIR, n.d.). Diseases include bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas spp.), yellow mosaic virus (Geminiviridae), and anthracnose (Collectotrichum spp.) (Tiwari et al., 2017).

Swaminathan et al., (2012) gives a review of pest control for related species (e.g., Vigna radiata). Seek local expertise for identifying exact crop pests and diseases. Always consider cultural and natural controls for pests before chemical methods.

Culinary and Nutrition

Green pods are a basic food (Choudhary et al., 2021; Tiwari et al., 2017), made into a variety of traditional dishes. Moth bean protein is high in the amino acids lysine and tryptophan which are lacking in cereal grains, making it an important element in plant-based diets in arid regions (Rani et al., 2023). Sprouted grain is commonly eaten plain or in breads. Moth bean sprouts rapidly gain weight, protein, and antioxidant properties in the first four days, with six days being the optimal sprouting time (Kestwal et al., 2012). 

References