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    Effects of plant density on the performance of cowpea in Nigerian Savannas

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    Journal Article (194.5Kb)
    Authors
    Kamara, A.
    Tofa, A.I.
    Kyei-Boahen, S.
    Solomon, R.
    Ajeigbe, Hakeem A.
    Kamai, N.
    Date
    2016
    Language
    en
    Type
    Journal Article
    Review status
    Peer Review
    ISI journal
    Accessibility
    Open Access
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    Citation
    Kamara, A., Tofa, A.I., Kyei-Boahen, S., Solomon, R., Ajeigbe, H.A. & Kamai, N. (2016). Effects of plant density on the performance of cowpea in Nigerian Savannas. Experimental Agriculture, 1-13.
    Permanent link to cite or share this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/77611
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0014479716000715
    Abstract/Description
    Grain yields of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in the Nigerian savannas are low even with the cultivation of improved varieties. The recommended spacing for cowpea is 75 × 20 cm with two seeds planted per stand. This corresponds to plant population of 133333 plants ha−1, which may not be sufficient for optimal cowpea yield. Field experiments were conducted to determine plant density effects on cowpea performance in the Northern Guinea and the Sudan savannas of Nigeria and also to determine if genotypes varied in their response to plant density. Four cowpea varieties with contrasting maturity duration were planted in single, double and triple rows on ridges spaced 75 cm apart to achieve corresponding densities of 133333, 266666 and 400000 plants ha−1, respectively. Plant densities of 266666 and 400000 plants ha−1 gave higher crop performance in terms of light interception, biomass production, yield and yield components for all cowpea varieties. Yield increases were related largely to increased pod and seed production but the effect of seed size on yield was relatively minor. Our results provide evidence that the current density of 133333 plants ha−1 used by farmers is not optimum for cowpea production. Smallholder farmers can increase cowpea grain and fodder yields if they use a density of 266666 plants ha−1 in cowpea cultivation. Further yield increases when cowpea is planted at 400000 plants ha−1 may not be sufficient to offset the cost of seed.
    Notes
    Article purchased; Published online: 21 October 2016
    Other CGIAR Affiliations
    Grain Legumes
    AGROVOC Keywords
    cowpeas; crop protection; planting; grain legumes; plant density
    Subjects
    COWPEA; GRAIN LEGUMES
    Countries
    Nigeria
    Regions
    Africa; Western Africa
    Organizations Affiliated to the Authors
    International Institute of Tropical Agriculture; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
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    • IITA Journal Articles [4887]

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