Leaf Harvesting Time and Frequency Affect Vegetative and Grain Yield of Cowpea

Abstract

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is a vital component of traditional cropping systems in the subtropics and tropics, grown both for high-protein grain and nutritious fresh leaves. Th e objectives of this study were to determine the eff ects of (i) cropping regime and (ii) leaf harvesting initiation time and frequency on yield and yield components of dual-purpose cowpea. Studies were conducted at the Kenya National Dry land Research Center-Katumani over four seasons. Cowpea cultivar 'K80' was grown as a monocrop or intercropped with maize. Leaf harvesting was initiated at 2, 3, or 4 wk aft er emergence (WAE) and thereaft er done at 7-or 14-d intervals. Control plants remained intact with no leaf harvesting. Th e number of lateral stems per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, unit seed weight, and vegetable and grain yields were monitored throughout each season, and plant productivity was found to be lower in intercropped than in monocropped cowpea. Leaf harvesting reduced all yield components. Initiating leaf harvesting at 3 and 4 WAE resulted in the highest leaf and grain yields, respectively. Harvesting leaves at a 7-d interval was associated with higher leaf yield, while a 14-d interval led to higher grain yield. Overall, yields were highest under treatments with no leaf harvest and lowest when leaf harvesting was initiated 2 WAE. Results of this study can help dual-purpose cowpea growers optimize yields according to their production goals.

Genetic effects and potential parents in cowpea

“…However, the crop area is expanding in the Midwest region, due to the development of cultivars with characteristics that favor mechanical cultivation (Saidi et al 2010). Despite the expansion of cultivation into other regions of Brazil, cowpea yields in Ceará have been steadily declining, due to numerous factors, e.g., cultivars with low yield potential and cultivation as extensive secondary crop, associated with other crops, mainly maize, cassava and cotton.…”

Yield and profitability responses of cowpea to cropping systems and sowing seasons in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia State, Brazil

“…Cowpea is assumed to have been introduced in Brazil in the 16 th century, likely in Bahia. Subsequently, its cultivation expanded to the Midwest region because of the development of cultivars with characteristics that favor mechanical cultivation (Saidi, Itulya, Aguyoh, & Ngouajio, 2010). In this region, cowpea cultivation has been successful because of more favorable weather conditions, but mainly because of the use of advanced technology, which leads to high yield (960 kg ha -1 , on average) and profitability (Freire Filho et al, 2011).…”