Shaw creeping vigna
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Pasture type and use | Perennial summer-growing subtropical legume. Grazing, agroforestry. |
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Area of adaptation | Subtropical North Coast |
Min. average annual rainfall | 1100 mm |
Advantages |
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Disadvantages |
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Soil requirements | Versatile soil types. Warm sites with moist but well-drained soils. |
Varieties | cv. Shaw |
Sowing rates: | |
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Sowing time | Spring |
Companion species | Usually sown alone with grasses. Best grown with sward-forming grasses. |
Inoculation | Group I |
Major nutrient deficiencies | Phosphorus, potassium and molybdenum. |
Main insect pests | None encountered. |
Main diseases | Stemphylium and cercospora leaf spot during moist autumn. Ensure adequate ventilation. |
Management | Light grazing in establishment year. Once established, Shaw tolerates prolonged heavy grazing. Grazing pressure should be set to produce a low, leafy canopy. Bulky, undergrazed stands develop severe leaf diseases. |
Livestock disorders of particular note | Nitrate poisoning has occurred by ingestion of a related species. |
Additional tips | Will grow over crofton weed, mistflower and blady grass, facilitating control by trampling. Sensitive to most herbicides. |
Further information |
Advice on livestock health disorders was provided by Dr Chris Bourke, Principal Research Scientist, NSW Agriculture, Orange. His contribution is gratefully acknowledged.
Photo: Bede Clarke, NSW Agriculture, Casino