TITLE:
Influence of phosphorus on the performance of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.) varieties in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria
AUTHORS:
A. Singh, A. L. Baoule, H. G Ahmed, A. U. Dikko, U. Aliyu, M. B. Sokoto, J. Alhassan, M. Musa, B. Haliru
KEYWORDS:
Cowpea [Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp.]; Phosphorus; Sudan Savanna; Nigeria
JOURNAL NAME:
Agricultural Sciences,
Vol.2 No.3,
August
8,
2011
ABSTRACT: Savanna regions of Nigeria are deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus, which retard the growth and yield of crops. Therefore, a study was conducted in the wet season of 2006 at the Dry Land Teaching and Research Farm of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to evaluate the effect of phosphorus on the growth and yield of two cowpea varieties sourced from Republic of Niger. Treatment consisted of four (4) rates of phosphorus (0, 20, 40, 60 kg.ha–1) factorialy combined with (2) varieties of cowpea (kvx303096G and TN5-78) and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three (3) times. Results showed significant response to applied P on pods per plant, grain and stover yield and 100-seed weight with highest response to the application of 60 kg.P.ha–1. From this study it can be concluded that KVX303096G and TN5-78 could both be sown under Sokoto condition to obtain reasonable yield of about 1 t.ha–1 of grain and 1.6 t.ha–1 of stover. Irrespective of the varieties, application of 60 kg P2O5 ha–1 could be recommended for higher yield of cowpea (1.4 t.ha–1) relative to 0 kg.P.ha–1 that yielded 1.0 t.ha–1.