Barenbrug Cowpea Ebony Seed Tropical (Spr) - Per Kg (25kg bag)

Ebony is a diploid, annual, forage cowpea with a spreading growth habit.

Ebony was selected as a superior forage or green manuring cowpea on the basis of its resistance to stem rot disease, growth habit, vigorous growth and good seed yield. Ebony is resistant to races 3 and 4 of the severe root rot fungus, Phytophthora vignae. Meringa cowpeas are susceptible to both of these races.

A distinguishing feature of Ebony cowpeas is the slight anthocyanin tinge along the length of their seed pod and the strong anthocyanin colouration of the tip of the pod.

Ebony was developed for use as a green manure crop in sugar cane growing areas and for use as a forage crop in tropical and sub tropical areas. Other features of Ebony include a long production season, increased dry matter production and improved return post-grazing. Ebony can be also sown into heavier soil types providing an alternative to Lablab.

Ebony has good drought tolerance and good tolerance to periods of heat and moisture stress. Best under warm, humid conditions, with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.

Features

• An extremely versatile summer forage providing good grazing, hay and silage options
• Prostrate growth habit that can withstand harder grazing
• Improved root and stem rot resistance
• Great source of nitrogen fixation in summer rotation
• Ideal for producing high quality summer finishing feed
• Nil prussic acid poisoning issues
• Suitable as a companion legume with millet and forage sorghum

Animal production
Ebony has high nutritive value. Crude protein in green foliage 14–21% and in crop residues 6–8%, in grain 18–26%; IVDMD of foliage >80%. IVDMD of residues after grain harvest 55–65%. When fed as a supplement, 10–20% increase in milk yield (Colombia) and 50% higher animal live weight gain (67 g/day with sheep) are reported (West Africa).

Performance
Vegetative dry matter production of 3–10 t/ha in 8–12 weeks; grain production 250–4,000 kg/ha.

Sowing

• For fodder and green manure, 30–60 cm between rows and 10–15 cm between plants are suitable; required seeding rate about 20 kg/ha.
• Other seeding rates reported are 10–40 kg/ha when sown in rows and up to 90 kg/ha when broadcast. Most common 20–35 kg/ha.
• Sowing depth 3–5 cm.
• Seed is soft so germination is usually rapid if moisture and temperature are adequate.
• Promiscuous in its rhizobial requirements.
• Sow in spring to early autumn.
• Apply superphosphate as required by soil test.
• A small application of nitrogen (10 to 20 kg N/ha) may give early assistance (not with seed).
• Fast establishment and speed to grazing.
• Recommended planting rate for Ebony cowpea with AgriCOTE Pro-Tech is 20–35 kg per hectare.