Effect of Seed Exposure to Direct Electrical Current on Germination and Seedlings Growth of three Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L.) Cultivars

Abstract

The experiment was carried out during three weeks with San Martin, Gabs ton and West hillier cultivars of cowpea(Vigna unguiculata L.), seeds were exposed to 12V direct current (DC) electrical field in different exposure periods (0, 10, 20 and 40 minutes) before seed sowing. Generally, the best results were obtained from 20 min. exposure to DC electrical field of all studied cultivars, however, highest root characteristics except root dry weight obtained from control treatment. The highest germination percentage was in Gabs ton cultivar when exposed to DC electrical field for 20 min., and for the shoot length, shoot elongation speed/plant were obtained from two treatments (gaps ton cultivar without seed exposure to DC electrical field and with 20 min. exposure period). However the best root dry weight obtained from the seedlings of San martin cultivar when exposed to DC electrical field for 10min. The results shows that exposure of (Vigna unguiculata L.) seeds to (DC) electric (12V) improved germination percentage and seedlings vegetative growth.