Effect of water stress on some growth aspects of two varieties of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp Fabaceae

Effect of water stress on some growth aspects of two varieties of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp Fabaceae

2013

E07988

Experiments were carried out to examine the effects of water stress on some growth aspects of two varieties of Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea). Each polythene bag measuring 18 X 24 cm was well perforated to enhance drainage. Sterile sandy loam soil was packed in each polythene bag to a 20 cm height. Viable seeds of each variety of cowpea (white and brown variety) were sown. Cowpea seedlings were thinned to five per polythene bag. The watering regimes of 12, 24 and 48 hours in three replicates each were investigated. The seedlings were allowed to grow in the green-house for 30-days.\n The growth parameters studied were seedling height, leaf length, leaf width and leaf area. Results of this study showed that the two varieties of cowpea were significantly (P<0.05) affected by water stress. The highest growth performance was observed in the control (12 hours) and water stressed seedlings at 24 and 48 hours had more adverse effect on brown variety than white variety. Water stress is therefore an important factor to be considered during the growing stage of Vigna unguiculata as depicted by the morphological parameters in this study.

2(5):69-74, BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENT, PHARMACOLOGY AND LIFE SCIENCES

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