Efficiency in the use of phosphorus by cowpea genotypes

Idaiane Costa Fonseca Almeida,Fábio Henrique Tavares Oliveira,Leilson Costa Grangeiro,Matheus Freitas Souza,Valdívia De Fátima Lima Sousa

doi:10.14393/bj-v35n4a2019-39507

Idaiane Costa Fonseca Almeida, Fábio Henrique Tavares Oliveira + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.14393/bj-v35n4a2019-39507

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Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an edible legume with good ability to fix nitrogen and not demanding soil fertility. However, some genotypes may have a greater ability to utilize the nutrients available in the soil for their growth. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of phosphorus (P) use in genotypes of cowpea. The experiment was conducted in the field and the experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replicates arranged in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of two P doses (0 and 60 kg ha-1 of P2O5) and five bean genotypes (Paulistinha, BRS Xiquexique, Pingo de Ouro, Corujinha, and Costela de Vaca). Each plot was formed by four plant rows, measuring 3.0 m in length, spaced 1.0 x 0.3 m, and with two plants per hole. The genotypes responded significantly to the increase in P levels in the soil, with increases in the number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, productivity, dry mass, and plant P accumulation. "BRS Xiquexique" was efficient and responsive, and it could be indicated as the most appropriate for cultivation in the region. "Corujinha" is the most suitable cultivar for production in high levels of P among the creole genotypes evaluated. "Costela de Vaca" and "Paulistinha" can be indicated for low P production in the soil. low P production.

Highlights

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) represents 37% of the planted area and 14% of the bean production in Brazil
The rusticity and precocity of cowpea make it adapt to a wide range of climate and soil, and it can be grown in practically all Brazilian regions
The experiment was performed from April to July 2015 at the Experimental Farm Rafael Fernandes (5° 03’ 37” S and 37° 23’ 50” W and altitude of 72 m), which belongs to the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, in Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil

Summary

Introduction

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) represents 37% of the planted area and 14% of the bean production in Brazil. In 2015, 452.000 tons were produced in an area of approximately 1.1 million hectares in the Brazil. The rusticity and precocity of cowpea make it adapt to a wide range of climate and soil, and it can be grown in practically all Brazilian regions. In the Northeast, cowpea is cultivated in monoculture or intercropped with maize and cassava, using several genotypes from selections made by local farmers, which have immeasurable genetic variability. This variability allows farmers to select genotypes adapted to their agroecological and socioeconomic conditions (FREIRE FILHO et al, 2005)

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