Two species of Vigna (Leguminosae, Phaseolinae) with ornamental potential native to Argentina: V. adenantha and V. candida

HOC, PATRICIA S; OJEDA, FABIANA

ACTA HORTICULTURAE

IHSH

Lugar: BÉLGICA; Año: 2013 vol. 1000 p. 83 - 90

0567-7572

AbstractVigna candida (Vell.) Maréchal, Mascherpa and Stainier and V. adenantha(G.F.W. Meyer) Maréchal, Mascherpa and Stainier have potential as ornamentals andcould be used as forage crops in warm areas. They are scandent, stolonate and pluriannual.In both species the flowering period begins in springtime and last untilautumn. The flowers are flag blossoms, disposed in 5-10-flowered racemes of 10 cmlong. The standard and the keel are white, the wings are white with violet nectarguides; a variation in the color pattern of these petals occur between the species.During the anthesis, that lasts 1-2 days, an anular nectary that surround the ovarysecrete the nectar offered as reward. Legitimate flower visitors are species of Xylocopa,Centris and Bombus (Hymenoptera), because of only these individuals can trigger thesystem of pollen transfer; also, nectar and pollen thieves or robbers were detected butdid not affect the reproductive success. In V. candida, aroma is also emitted as othersecondary attractant. Experiments of controlled pollinations were carried out in orderto know the reproductive system of each species. V. adenantha is self-compatible butthe reproductive success reach the 100% when pollinators visit the flowers, oppositely,in V. candida, which is self-incompatible, if pollinators do not work, fruits and seedscannot be produced. Because of the growing pattern, phenology, the beautiful andconspicuous flowers, and the nitrifying capacity, both species should be appreciated asornamentals in warm or temperate areas, even in flooded land.