Package of Practice for Cultivation of Cowpea
Growing beans and cowpea (lobia) is a fast, profitable way for farmers and gardeners to get high yields with low maintenance. These crops thrive in warm weather and well-drained soil during both summer and monsoon seasons. By using quality seeds treated to prevent disease, preparing fertile soil with organic manure, and maintaining clean, weed-free rows, the plants grow vigorously and develop healthy flowering. Bush types grow independently, while climbing varieties need simple net or bamboo supports to produce even higher yields.
Climate - Mild, frost-free climate; excessive heat affects flowering
Soil - Fertile, well-drained sandy loam to loam
pH - 5.5-7.0
Land preparation - 2–3 ploughings for better tilth.
Seed rate - About 20-25 kg/acre
Sowing Time - Feb–March (spring) and Sept–Oct (autumn).
Spacing - Row to Row - 30–45 cm and Plant to Plant - 10–15 cm.
Fertilizer - Farmyard manure- 8-10 t/acre 20-25 kg Nitrogen + 20-25 kg Phosphorus + 20 kg potash/acre.
Irrigation - Irrigate after sowing and subsequently as required; maintain uniform moisture but avoid waterlogging.
Weed management- Hand weeding during early growth.
Major pests –
- Aphid - Thiamethoxam,Imidacloprid.
- Bean fly -Dimethoate
- Mites - Abamectin,Imidacloprid,
- Thrips - Imidacloprid,Acetamipid,Fipronil
- Pod Borer - Chlorantraniliprole,Emamactin benzoate,Indoxacarb.
- White fly - Acetamiprid,Flonicamid,Imidacloprid.
Major diseases –
- Anthracnose - Azoxystrobin,Difenoconazole,Copper oxychloride
- Blight - Mancozeb,copper oxychloride,Cymaxonil.
- Mosaic - Spiromesifen,Imidacloprid,Acetamiprid
- Rust - Azoxystrobin + difenoconazole
Harvesting -
- Harvest young, tender and succulent pods before seeds become fully developed.
- Pick pods regularly, usually every 2–3 days, to maintain quality and encourage continued production.
- Avoid over-mature pods because they become fibrous.
