Psophocarpus tetragonolobus

Belongs to family fabaceae. This crop can be grown in areas up to 2000m from mean sea level. Even though local selections of winged bean produced fruit in Maha due to photo sensitivity, new varieties have been developed to give yield throughout the year

Released Varieties

SLS 44

produces yield throughout the year. White coloured flowers. Pods are green coloured , weighing around 15g per pod. Seeds are cream coloured

Krishna

Gives a very high yield throughout the year. Flowers and pods are purple coloured while seeds are dark purple. Pods are about 27 cm long and gives the first yield in about 70 days after planting

Temperature range from 18 – 32 oC is suitable for better performance. Can be grown in any area up to 2000m from mean sea level.

Well-draining sandy loam or clay loam soil with organic matter is ideal. But can be grown in sandy soils as well as clay soils

21-23 kg /ha

Direct seeding Plant seeds at the onset of rainy season or can do planting if there is enough irrigation facility.

Harrow the soil deeply and break soil. If water retains in soil, prepare high beds or ridges to plants seeds. Mark pits according to given recommendations.

Soak seeds in water for about 24 hours before planting for better germination. Better if can apply a fungicide like “Captan” as a seed treatment. Plant 3-4 seeds per pit. After 2 weeks of seedling emergence, keep 2 healthy plants and remove the rest

Plant 7 ft. poles near pits for support of vines. Train the vines to poles

75 cm x 60 cm between rows and plants respectively.

Add 10t/ha of well decomposed organic matter. Additionally apply chemical fertilizer as recommended. Apply basal fertilizer 2-3 days before planting

Irrigate crops once a week in dry weather. In sandy soils irrigate the crops less frequency

The crop grows very slowly in early stages, therefore special attention should be given for weed control. Weed control is especially recommended at 1, 3, 5, 7,12th weeks after seed germination

Harvest pods every 3-4 days. First harvest of recommended varieties can be taken in 70-75 days. But most cultivated local varieties, this can take up to 90-100 days. Harvesting can be done 6-7 weeks from first harvesting.