Contents
Description
Vigna Radiata, commonly known as the Green Gram, is an annual plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in India, Thailand, and other tropical countries. It is a highly nutritious food crop and is commonly used in various dishes such as soups, salads, and curries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Vigna |
Appearance
The Green Gram plant is a bushy, erect, and hairy annual herb that can grow up to 30-90 cm tall. Its leaves are trifoliate, alternate, and ovate in shape, with a length of 3-10 cm and a width of 2-5 cm. The flowers are small, yellow, and borne in clusters on axillary racemes. The pods are long, cylindrical, and contain 10-15 seeds each. The seeds are small, round, and green in color.
Care Guide
The Green Gram plant requires warm temperatures and a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It needs regular watering, especially during the flowering and pod formation stages. Fertilizers should be applied during the early growth stages to promote healthy growth. The plant prefers full sunlight and can tolerate a temperature range of 20-35°C. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Green Gram plant is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including aphids, mites, thrips, and whiteflies. It can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. To prevent these problems, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene, remove infected plant parts, and use appropriate pesticides and fungicides.
Habitat
The Green Gram plant is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Asia and Africa. It grows well in sandy loam soils and requires warm temperatures and adequate rainfall. It is commonly planted as a food crop and a cover crop to improve soil fertility.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Green Gram plant easy to grow?
A: Yes, the Green Gram plant is easy to grow, provided that it is given proper care and attention.
Q: Can I grow the Green Gram plant in a container?
A: Yes, the Green Gram plant can be grown in a container as long as it is provided with adequate space, soil, and nutrients.
Q: How long does it take for the Green Gram plant to mature?
A: The Green Gram plant takes around 60-90 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Q: How do I harvest the Green Gram seeds?
A: The Green Gram seeds can be harvested when the pods turn yellow and dry. The pods should be harvested and dried in the sun for several days before threshing to remove the seeds.
Related Plants
- Vigna angularis (Adzuki Bean)
- Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea)
- Vigna mungo (Black Gram)
- Vigna umbellata (Rice Bean)
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigna_radiata
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/vigna-radiata-green-gram
- https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Vigna_radiata.html
