………………………………………………...…………....………….....………………………………………

View Full Text - PDF

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) yields in West Africa are low primarily due to low available soil phosphorus (P) status. Phosphorus efficient cowpea genotypes with great ability to utilize P from P-deficient soils are important in soils with low nutrient availability. This study was conducted to evaluate the P efficiency of cowpea genotypes under limiting P conditions. Fifty cowpea genotypes were planted in PVC tubes and harvested 5 days after planting (DAP). Data collected on shoot and root parameters showed significant difference (P < 0.05) among the genotypes studied. Among the 50 genotypes, 6 were further selected and evaluated in pots under different levels of P application (0, 20 and 40 kg P/ha). The cowpea genotypes varied significantly (P < 0.05) in shoot growth, nodulation and P uptake after growing for 40 days. Using principal component analysis (PCA) and phosphorus efficiency index (PEI), cowpea genotypes were grouped into three P efficiency categories. The study concluded that differential growth of cowpea under low P was observed.

Key words: Phosphorus, cowpea, phosphorus efficiency index.

……………………………......……………………………………………………………………………………

Citation: Kugblenu YO, Kumaga FK, Ofor K, Adu-Gyamfi JJ (2014). Evaluation of cowpea genotypes for phosphorus use efficiency. J. Agric. Crop Res. 2(10): 202-210.