Effect of plant density and cultivar on growth and yield of cowpea (vigna unguiculata l.walp)

A field experiment was conducted for two successive rainy seasons (2007/08-2008/09) in Kazgail area, in North Kordofan State, Sudan, to examine the effect of plant density and cultivar on growth and yield of cowpea. The three cultivars of cowpea (Buff, Haydoob and Eien Elgazal) were sown in four plant densities of 30,000, 60,000, 90,000 and 120,000 plants ha -1 . The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. The results showed that, plant density had a significant effect on most of the growth attributes measured. Increasing plant population increased plant height and decreased number of leaves per plant and leaf area index (LAI). Increased plant density significantly increased seed yield per unit area, however the number of pods per plant, 100-seed weight, seed yield per plant and harvest index reduced with increased plant density. The local cultivar (buff) had a significantly taller, greater number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, heavier 100-seed weight, greater seed yield per plant, greater final seed yield (t/ha) and late in maturity. The improved cultivar (Ein Elgazal) scored the highest values of harvest index.