The Effect of Different Light Intensities (%) on the Grain Yield Components of some Varieties of Cowpea [(<i>Vigna unguiculata</i> (L.)(Walp)]

Abstract

Nine varieties of cowpea [(Vigna unguiculata (L).(Walp)]belonging to 3 different maturing group namely, IT88DM345, IT89KD455, IT93K452-1 for early maturing group, Danila, IT90K277-2, IT89KD391 for medium maturing group and IAR 1696, Kannando, IT89KD288 for the late maturing group were grown under different light intensities (20%, 40% and 100%). The yield of the different varieties was assessed. All the varieties had greater yield at 100% followed by 40% and lastly 20%. However some varieties showed higher potential to produce more grain yield components under 20% light intensity than others. IT93K452-1, Danila, IT89KD391 and IT89KD288 showed higher grain yield component under 20% light intensity than others. Variety IAR 1696 did not produce pods under 40% and 20% light intensities. Kannannado did not produce pod under 20% light intensities.

Keywords: cowpea, light intensity, intercropping, yield, component.