Download a copy of the Capello Woolly Pod Vetch factsheet.
Capello woolly pod vetch (Vicia villosa) was derived from selections out of Namoi woolly pod vetch. It demonstrates mid maturity along with a semi erect growth habit. Capello is suited to a wide range of soil types, performing better on lighter soil types, compared to other vetch species. Capello can provide growers with a soft seeded alternative to traditional hard seeded woolly pod vetch varieties, which can cause problems in future legume crops due to regeneration from the hard seed. This makes Capello well suited to short term cropping rotations whilst providing the added benefits of moderate drought tolerance and being a highly efficient and effective soil nitrogen producer. Mature plants form a dense canopy, providing strong weed competition. Capello is ideal as a break crop and is well suited for hay production or turned in as green manure crop to improve soil health.
Key features
- Softer seeded than other woolly pod vetches
- Flowering – 10% at 124 days, 100% at 144 days
- Suitable for grazing, hay and green manuring
- Highly efficient nitrogen fixation
- Offers a disease break in cropping rotations
- Resistance to spot, rust and ascochyta
Key benefits
- Capello has the ability to produce high dry matter yields through winter and spring. It can also add high quality feed and bulk when mixed with cereals for hay
- The soft seed habit of Capello, combined with its high biomass and nitrogen production, makes it a great crop rotation option
- Reduces problems of volunteer vetch plants
- Proven to reduce black root rot in cotton rotations
Disease / pest resistance
Capello demonstrates resistance to chocolate spot (Botrytis), rust (Uromyces vicia-fabae) and ascochyta (Ascochyta spp.). Capello woolly pod vetch adds to the rotation by providing an excellent alternative crop for controlling cereal root diseases. Capello, like all vetches, is susceptible to red legged earth mites (Halotydens destructor), cow pea aphid (Aphis craccivora) and native bud worm (Helicoverpa punctigera) and appropriate control measures should be taken, especially in seedling stands.
Agronomy and management
Regeneration Capello has 80–90% soft seed. Other varieties of woolly pod vetch generally only have 10–20% soft seed. This is a significant advantage in the reduction of volunteer vetch plants for following seasons in short term cropping rotations. Grazing vetch is not suited to close grazing as their growing points are well above ground level. However in longer season environments, Capello can be lightly grazed successfully during winter and early spring provided that the growing points are not damaged. Heavy grazing can cause significant damage to the plant and it may not recover. Bloat can be a problem on pure legume stands and stock will have to be watched if grazing green vetch paddocks. Capello grain (and other woolly pod types) is toxic to stock and hence care must be taken with grazing management. Grazing or cutting for hay must not be done after pod set.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this brochure is from official and other sources and is considered to be reliable. It is provided in good faith and every care has been taken to ensure its accuracy. Barenbrug does not accept any responsibility for the consequences that may arise from the acceptance of recommendations or the suggestions made.