Evaluation of eight varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) in Asaba agro-ecological environment, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted during the early planting season of 2011 at Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria to evaluate eight varieties of cowpea (IT80D-699, IT82 (e-18), Ife Brown, IT870-9411 and TVX3236, IT90K-277-2, IT870-9411 and IT828-146) for adaptation in the altisol of Asaba agro ecological zone with a view to recommending the suitable varieties to farmers in the area for planting. The results showed that significant differences (P<0.05) existed among the varieties tested in all the growth characters measured. Ife Brown, IT8482246-4 and TVX3236 varieties performed significantly better both in the growth and yield as well as yield related parameters when compared to IT800D-699, IT82(e-18), IT870-9411 and IT828-146 varieties. This study hereby recommends Ife Brown, IT848-2246-4 and TVX3236 varieties which performed appreciably better to farmers in Asaba agro ecological zone for planting.

Comparative growth analysis, yield and quality of two cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp.)) lines propagated by seed and stem cuttings

“…A contrasting pattern was observed only in the plant height of line IT07K-243-1-2 where the stem propagated plants showed higher magnitude. IT07K-243-1-2 recorded higher peak than IT07K-298-15 showing genotypic variation which is agreed with the findings of Agbogidi and Egho, (2012), in evaluation of cowpea varieties in agro-ecological environment. Reduced shoot development in the stem propagated V. unguiculata is as a result of the plants committing their carbohydrate to rooting rather than photosynthesis.…”

“…The observed 6.80 value of the pH of the soil indicates that the soil is slightly acidic and this can be attributed to the high rainfall prevalent in the area at the time of collection. Rainfall leads to leaching of the basic cations from the surface area of the soil (Agbogidi and Egho, 2012). The low organic matter content and total nitrogen could be attributed to the effects of soil erosion, leaching and bush burning predominant in the study area.…”

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp., Fabaceae) landrace (local farmers varieties) diversity and ethnobotany in Southwestern and Eastern parts of Ethiopia

“…According to Islam et al (2006), all parts of the plant are used as food, which is nutritious, providing protein and vitamins. Immature pods and seeds are used as cooked vegetables while several snacks and main dishes are prepared from the grains (Agbogidi and Egho, 2012). The pulses as a group constitute considerable number and diversity of crop species and are critical to smallholder livelihoods in Ethiopia (Chilot et al, 2010;Fikreselassie, 2012).…”

Genotype by environment interaction and stability analysis of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] genotypes for yield in Ethiopia

“…It plays a critical role in the lives of millions of people in the developing world, providing them a major source of dietary protein that nutritionally complements low protein staple cereal and tuber crops. Its grain is the most important part of the plant for human consumption (Agbogidi and Egho, 2012). Drought is the most important abiotic stress limiting production of all crops worldwide, even the most drought tolerant cowpea (Hall, 2004).…”