BARENBRUG COWPEA EBONY SEED TROPICAL (SPR) PER KG (25) 181242
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Ebony is a diploid, annual, forage cowpea with a spreading growth habit.
It 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 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 & improved return post-grazing.
Ebony can be also sown into heavier soil types providing an alternative to Lablab.
Ebony has good drought tolerance.
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
Prostate 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 arrangement according to intended use:
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.
small application of nitrogen (10 to 20kg 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 – 35kg per hectare.
Common Questions
What is Ebony cowpea used for?
Ebony is a tropical and sub-tropical forage cowpea that works as a summer grazing crop, hay and silage option, or as a green manure crop — particularly useful in sugar cane growing areas. It's also suitable as a companion legume with millet and forage sorghum, and can be used as a summer finishing feed for livestock.
What makes Ebony cowpea different from other cowpeas?
Ebony has strong resistance to stem rot disease and root rot fungus (races 3 and 4 of Phytophthora vignae), whereas older varieties like Meringa cowpeas are susceptible to both. It also has good drought tolerance, a spreading growth habit that can handle harder grazing, and a long production season with improved dry matter production.
When should I sow Ebony cowpea?
Sow in spring to early autumn. The seed is soft and germinates quickly if moisture and temperature are adequate. Best growth occurs under warm, humid conditions with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.
What seeding rate should I use?
The recommended planting rate is 20–35 kg per hectare. Sow at a depth of 3–5 cm. Row spacing and plant spacing depend on your intended use — for fodder and green manure, 30–60 cm between rows and 10–15 cm between plants are suitable.
What's the nutritive value of Ebony?
Ebony has high nutritive value with crude protein in green foliage of 14–21% and in crop residues of 6–8%. The foliage has an in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) greater than 80%, and residues after grain harvest have an IVDMD of 55–65%.
Do you ship this product Australia-wide?
Yes, this product ships Australia-wide via Australia Post or road courier. Select your preferred shipping method at checkout.
Can I Click & Collect from Gympie?
Yes — Click & Collect is available from our store at 55 Tozer St, Gympie. Open Mon–Fri 8am–5pm and Sat 8am–12pm. Click & Collect is FREE on orders of $175 or more, or a flat $10 on orders under $175. Select Click & Collect at checkout and we will have your order ready.