Additional variability in engineered Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) exposed to alpha-spin nano particles

Abstract

Field study was conducted at the Botanical Garden, Federal University of Lafia, between August and October 2017 to investigate the effect of alpha nano spin on nine advanced varieties of cowpea obtained from Institute of Agriculture Research (IAR), Zaria and one local variety from Nasarawa Agricultural Development Program (NADP), Lafia which served as the control. These seeds were exposed to alpha-spin nano-particles at four different periods; 20 mins, 40 mins and 60 mins termed as T1, T2 & T3 respectively while the untreated seeds 0 mins were termed T0 (control). The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Data were collected on agronomic traits, yield components and grain yield, which were subjected to Analysis of Variance and Principal Component Analysis. Laboratory studies were also carried out to determine the pattern of Dry matter accumulation at two weeks interval for six weeks. Results of harvested seeds revealed that Sampea 5, inoculated at 40 mins treatment produced black seeds colour from brown seed colour parent. Results also showed a significant difference among treatments and varieties for mean plant height, the mean number of leaves, mean number of pods and mean pod length. Total dry matter accumulation of leaves, 100 disc leaves and stems over time varied among treatments and varieties. The first three Principal Components (PCs) accounted for 83.1% of the total variation implying their high selection stability. The detailed results are presented and discussed in this paper as a measure of the future selection of useful variants of the improved cowpea for sustainable cowpea production.