Winged Bean Care

Rainfall-well-distributed rainfall in excess of 150 cm per year is required and the plant thrives in areas with an annual rainfall of 250 cm or more. It can be grown as a dry season crop, provided that there is adequate irrigation and the water does not remain on the soil, as this tends to reduce the growth of roots and root tubers. Despite its perennial nature and extensive root-system, it does not survive prolonged drought, though drought-resistant cultivars are being developed.

Day-length-the winged bean requires short days for normal flower induction, since when grown under a long photoperiod there is excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowers. Recent experiments have shown that there is an interaction between day-length and day/night temperatures; both flowering and tuberisation are inhibited in 16 hour days, but with 8 hour days tubers formed regardless of temperature, but flowering was dependent upon the temperature regime used.

Soil-the winged bean is not very demanding in its soil requirements, provided that there is adequate drainage. It cannot tolerate waterlogging or salinity. Well-cultivated, rich, sandy loams are best for optimum yields of pods; on clay soils the tubers are frequently small and lacking in flavour. It is frequently grown successfully in nitrogen-poor soils because of its exceptional ability to nodulate.

Temperature-it is a tropical crop resistant to high temperatures, grown between 20°N and 15°S latitude.

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