- Address : P.O. Box 11, Gannoruwa rd, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- E- Mail : director.hordi@doa.gov.lk
- Telephone :(+94) 081-2388011-12-13
- Fax :(+94) 081-2388234
Winged Bean
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
Climatic requirements/ Areas suitable for cultivation
Temperature range from 18 – 32 oC is suitable for better performance.
Can be grown in any area up to 2000m from mean sea level.
Soil
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
Seed requirement
21-23 kg /ha
Nursery Management
Direct seeding
Plant seeds at the onset of rainy season or can do planting if there is enough irrigation facility.
Land preparation
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.
Planting
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
Training
Plant 7 ft. poles near pits for support of vines.
Train the vines to poles
Spacing
75 cm x 60 cm between rows and plants respectively.
Fertilizer
Add 10t/ha of well decomposed organic matter. Additionally apply chemical fertilizer as recommended. Apply basal fertilizer 2-3 days before planting
| Time of application | Urea kg/ha | TSP kg/ha | MOP kg/ha |
| Basal (02 days before planting) | 45 | 215 | 65 |
| Top Dressing One (4weeks after planting) | 20 | – | – |
| Top Dressing One (10 weeks after planting) | 20 | – | – |
Water supply
Irrigate crops once a week in dry weather. In sandy soils irrigate the crops less frequency
Weed Control
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
Pest Management
Disease Management
Causal Organism : Ralstonia solanacearum
Symptoms:
Instant wilting can be seen in the plant even at the optimum level of water in the field. Oozing can be observed when stem part ( near to the root) dipped in water
Management:
- Remove infected plants with soil.
- Improve water drainage system
- There is no chemical treatment for bacterial diseases
- Have to improve sanitary condition in the field
Harvesting
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.
Yield
SLS -44 : 15-20 t/ha
Krishna : 27t/ha