నైరూప్య

Effect of seed rate and varieties on yield and yields components of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (l.) Walp.) in northern guinea savannah region of Nigeria.

Pajo ND, Waziri EM, Obed AM and Utomuwhe D

Introduction: The effect of seed rate on three cultivars were investigated in field trial in two successive seasons (2019/20 and 2020/21) at northern guinea savannah region of Nigeria, to determine the optimum seed rate for yield and yield components of cowpea. SAMPEA-11, SAMPEA-12 and Kanannado Varieties were sowed in four seed rates of 6, 12, 18 and 24 kg ha-1.

Methods: The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in four replications.

Results: The results showed that, increased seed rate significantly increased seed yield per unit area, however the number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant and harvest index reduced with increased seed rate.

Conclusion: Among the improved variety, SAMPEA-12 was outstanding for earliness especially in drought prone areas.