How to grow cowpea to achieve high yield?

Cowpea, also known as string bean , originally grew in tropical Africa. Due to its rich nutritional value and diverse eating methods, it has become a common delicacy on people's tables. In our country, cowpea is widely cultivated. During the cowpea cultivation process, some growers may encounter problems with low yields and premature plant aging, which may lead to poor planting benefits. Let’s learn together how to grow cowpea for high yield.

1. Choose the right time to sow

Cowpea seeds begin to germinate at temperatures above 10℃, and the most suitable germination temperature is 25-28℃. Therefore, when the local average daily temperature is stable at above 12℃, sowing can be done. Generally, mid-April to mid-August each year is the best planting period for cowpea.

2. Reasonable fertilization

Cowpea requires more nitrogen and potassium and less phosphorus during its growth period. Nitrogen fertilizer can promote stem and leaf growth, phosphorus fertilizer helps root development and flowering and fruiting, and potassium fertilizer helps photosynthesis and the transport of nutrients. Since the rhizobia in the roots of cowpea can fix nitrogen, excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer should be avoided to prevent the plant from growing too tall.

3. Scientific irrigation

Cowpea requires moist soil during the germination period and moderate irrigation during the seedling stage. The soil moisture should be moderate during the flowering and pod-setting period to promote flower bud differentiation and reduce flower and pod drop. Cowpea has a well-developed root system and is drought-resistant, but excessive water will inhibit the nitrogen-fixing ability of rhizobia.

4. Pinching promotes the growth of lateral branches

Pinching can break the apical dominance of cowpea, promote the growth of side branches, and thus increase the number of flowers and pods. When the main vine grows to a certain height, it can be topped off, and the side branches can also be appropriately topped off.

5. Build a trellis to guide vines

Cowpea is a climbing plant and needs a trellis to support its growth. Trellising can improve field ventilation and light conditions, helping to increase cowpea yield and quality.

6. Preventing Boring Insects

The borer is one of the main pests of cowpea, damaging the flower buds and pods. The key to preventing this pest is to take advance measures, such as spraying appropriate pesticides during the bud stage.

In short, cowpea is a popular vegetable and if managed properly, the yield per acre can be very considerable. By strengthening fertilizer and water management, timely trellising and vine guidance, topping and pinching, as well as disease and pest control, high-yield and high-quality cowpeas can be grown.