Latest Key Field Management Techniques for Open-Field Cowpeas
Cowpea is a common vegetable planted in spring and harvested in summer and autumn in southern regions, suitable for all ages. It can now be cultivated in facilities such as greenhouses, but the microclimate artificially created by facilities still does not produce cowpeas as good in taste and quality as those grown in the natural environment. In recent years, organic vegetables have been highly praised, so today we will still introduce the field management of open-field cowpea cultivation, which was the earliest method of cultivation. Without facility conditions, how should cowpeas be managed?
I. Controlling Fertilizer and Water
Cowpeas have a well-developed root system and strong nutrient-absorbing capacity, so topdressing can be reduced and base fertilizer applied more heavily. Besides base fertilizer, topdressing is the key point of field fertilizer and water management. In the early stage, seedlings should be hardened off with less watering to encourage the roots to grow downward and absorb water on their own, promoting root development. After seedling hardening and the end of the recovery period, irrigation should be carried out promptly once to ensure rapid plant growth. Do not water during flowering to prevent flower drop. Before flowering, irrigate deeply once to ensure the necessary water for the plants during the flowering period. The fruiting stage is the peak period for water and fertilizer demand. Topdressing can be determined according to the number of pods set; roughly 1 to 2 topdressings, each time 300 jin of compound fertilizer per mu. Nitrogen fertilizer can be applied sparingly, as legumes can fix nitrogen. Water once a week to ensure the water needed for nutrient transport and pod formation.
II. Adjusting the Plants
When the vines grow to 30 cm and begin to stretch, stakes should be set up promptly for the plants to climb. Then begin retaining side branches: remove all side buds below the first flower cluster on the main vine so they do not sprout branches. Keep the side branches above and, when the retained ones grow to about the height of the trellis, pinch off the growing tips to stop further growth. Also, during the process of the vines climbing upward, tie the vines to fix and guide their growth.
III. Light and Temperature
The suitable temperature for cowpea growth is between 20 and 30 degrees. Too low and growth is poor; too high and the plants easily lose water through transpiration and stop growing. At 35 degrees, they can still flower and set pods but the quality is lower and development may be incomplete. Below 15 degrees, growth is merely slow, but when the temperature drops below 5 degrees, there is a risk of cold damage. As for light, in summer the light is generally sufficient, but if planted too early, light may be insufficient. Generally, the flowering and fruiting stage requires a longer period of light for good growth. The number of hours required for plant growth can be reduced.
IV. Pest and Disease Control
The main disease is cowpea mosaic virus, a viral infection that generally harms the pods, mainly damaging seedlings. It can be controlled by spraying 40% omethoate once every week, spraying several times. In the rainy season, sooty mold occurs frequently, mainly on the pods, and can be controlled by spraying a 50% carbendazim 1000-fold solution. The main pest is the bean pod borer, which mainly bores into and feeds on flowers and tender pods, causing flower and pod drop. It can be controlled using Avermectin and Bacillus thuringiensis.
The above is the management work that should be done for open-field cowpea cultivation. These routine management tasks need to be carried out according to the characteristics of cowpeas. I hope the above content is helpful to those who need it and provides a reference for everyone. Production should be combined with actual conditions. Welcome to follow for more content in the future.