Cowpea Cultivation Research Articles

EFFECT OF EROSION CONTROL METHODS ON THE SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND YIELD OF ONION IN KABBA, NIGERIA

Field experiments was conducted at the Horticultural Section of Kabba College of Agriculture, in Kabba, Kogi state, Nigeria in 2021 and 2022 seasons. The experiment was laid out in a 6 x 2 factorial in a randomized complete block deign (RCBD). The two factors evaluated were erosion control method and cultivar of onion planted. The erosion control method used were A1= plough + harrow + ridge (P+H+R) (conventional method), A2 =Plough + Harrow twice + plastic polyethylene(sheet cover) (P + H2+ PS), A3 = Plough + Harrow + mulches (P+H+MS), A4 = plough + Harrow twice with raise edges (P+H+RE),A5 = Strip cultivation of onion and cowpea (Strip) and A6 = Use of herbicide (Herb). The varieties of onion used were B1 = Red creole (red) and B2 = white creole (white). Data collection on agronomic parameters includes plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, crop growth rate and onion yield. Soil physical properties observed were soil bulk density, soil moisture content and soil porosity. From the result of the experiment, plots with mulch materials either polyethylene or grass was better than non- mulch plots. However, erosion control method Plough + Harrow + mulches (A3) gave the highest onion yield (8.67 t/ha). Also, variety B2 gave a yield of 8.78 t/ha better than variety B1. For Optimum production of onion, farmers should grow variety B2 and control soil erosion using erosion control Plough + Harrow + mulches.

Optimizing Cowpea Cultivation in Saline Hydromorphic Soils: A Sustainable Approach for Kaipad Agroecosystems

Kaipad lands, a distinct coastal agro-ecosystem located in northern Malabar, Kerala, are characterized by saline-prone hydromorphic soils that pose significant challenges for traditional rice cultivation. The unique conditions of periodic waterlogging and salinity necessitate the exploration of alternative crops to enhance agricultural sustainability. This study investigates the suitability of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L Walp) as a resilient leguminous crop for cultivation in traditionally organic rice growing problematic soils. Cowpea, known for its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, nutritional value, and economic importance, presents a promising option for farmers facing the limitations of organic rice production. A pot culture experiment was conducted to assess the impact of potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) on cowpea growth and yield in saline hydromorphic soils. Treatments included combinations of KSB with various potassium sources, such as feldspar and mica, used as alternate sources for potassic fertilizers. Results demonstrated that KSB significantly improved growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area, total dry matter production, and pod and grain yields, compared to control. Soil analysis revealed enhanced availability of potassium and other essential nutrients in KSB-treated soils, indicating a synergistic effect on nutrient solubilization in aerobic conditions. The findings suggest that cowpea, supported by KSB application, can be effectively cultivated in problematic Kaipad lands, offering a viable alternative to traditional rice farming while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This research highlights the potential for diversifying crop production in saline-prone areas, ultimately contributing to food security and economic resilience in coastal agro-ecosystems.

Effect of Fruit Load on Seed Quality of Cowpea Varieties [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Fabaceae)

Background: The development of cowpea cultivation needs to be given priority because, in developing countries, cowpeas make up for many protein deficiencies. Producing quality seeds of this legume would be an essential objective if food security is to be achieved. This study aimed to establish the appropriate fruit load for optimum production of quality cowpea seed. Methods: To achieve this, the impact of five different fruit loads (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 pods per plant) on the yield of four cowpea varieties (KVx745-11P (V1), KVx775-33-2G (Tiligré) (V2), Gourgou (V3) and KVx780-6 (V4)) was assessed. The seeds’ germination capacity and the seedlings’ vigor were then assessed for each of the four varieties. Result: Findings showed that seed length, width, thickness and weight changed significantly with increasing load in all varieties. The shortest time to emergence was recorded in the V1 variety for seeds from fruit loads of 20, 30, 40 and 50 pods per plant. For the ten pods per plant fruit load, the shortest emergence time was achieved with the V4 variety. The varieties V1, V2 and V4 studied produced excellent agronomic quality seeds when the pod was harvested with a load of 10 pods per plant. The fruit load significantly affected the seed quality and yield across all four varieties. Seeds from the minor C10 load for varieties V1, V2 and V4 and C20 for variety V3 exhibit high seedling vigour.

Use of vegetable mulching in the cultivation of cowpea irrigated with brackish water

Use of vegetable mulching in the cultivation of cowpea irrigated with brackish water

Sustainable Practices for Arid Climates: Evaluating Combined Mulches with Biostimulant in Combating Soil Salinity and Cowpea Cultivation

Salinity and water security are significant challenges in arid climates, necessitating effective practices to enhance crop productivity in these stressful environments. To address this, a study was conducted during the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023 using a randomized, completely block setup with three replications. The research assessed the effects of different mulch materials, unmulched (bare soil), white plastic, rice straw, and sawdust, combined with biostimulant foliar applications (control, bulk chitosan at 250 mg/L, and two concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles at 125 mg/L and 62.5 mg/L) on physiochemical and biological properties of salt-affected soil, as well as on the growth and yield of cowpeas. The findings of this study indicate that different mulch materials exert distinct effects based on their type. For instance, white plastic mulch with chitosan nanoparticles at a concentration of 62.5 mg/L markedly decreased soil salinity (by 10.80% and 14.64%) and ESP (by 6.93% and 6.80%). In contrast, white plastic mulch paired with a control foliar application significantly increased the soil moisture content (by 23.93% and 27.63%) compared to un-mulched soil. The combination of organic mulches and biostimulant foliar treatments significantly enhanced soil health by increasing the pH, organic carbon, nutrient content, and beneficial bacteria while reducing the bulk density and suppressing harmful fungi. Biostimulant foliar treatments have a modest affected soil property. Additionally, this study highlights that integrating specific mulching materials with biostimulant foliar treatments can significantly improve cowpea’s vegetative growth, yield, and nutrient content. This suggests that combining mulches and biostimulants may provide a sustainable solution for enhancing cowpea production in saline environments.

Economic Analysis of kharif Vegetable Cultivation in Palghar District of Maharashtra State, India

The study was undertaken with the specific objective to workout costs, returns and profitability in vegetables production of a sample of 90 vegetable cultivators of three tahsil of Palghar viz. Vasai, Palghar and Dahanu during 2023.Simple statistical tools such as arithmetic mean, average, percentage, ratios and frequency distribution were worked out. For working out cost of production, standard cost concepts viz., cost-A1, cost-A2 cost-B1, cost-B2, cost-C1, cost-C2, cost-C3 were used. The cost of cultivation of kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was Rs.130880, Rs.172317, Rs.74835, Rs.145956, Rs.166815, Rs.220387and Rs.209361for respectively. The gross returns obtained from kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was Rs.141240, Rs.271560, Rs.77532, Rs.280280, Rs.227850, Rs.337506 and Rs.345345 respectively. The benefit-cost ratio for kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was 1.08, 1.58, 1.04, 1.92, 1.37, 1.53 and 1.65 respectively. The promising benefit-cost ratios indicate a favorable environment for vegetable farming in Palghar, suggesting that with strategic crop selection and enhanced agricultural practices, the future of vegetable cultivation in the region is likely to be both profitable and sustainable.

LASSOCIATION MAIS-NIEBE ET LA RESTITUTION ORGANIQUE SONT-ELLESLE MOTEUR DUNE GESTION DURABLE DES SOLS A LOUEST DU BURKINA FASO ?

Are maize-cowpea associations and organic restitution the driving force behind sustainable soil management in western Burkina Faso? Soil fertility management is one of the key factors in the sustainability of cropping systems in western Burkina Faso. With this in mind, a study was carried out on the management of crop residues, fertilization and the inclusion of legumes in the cropping system. The aim was to determine the effects of mulching, insertion of cowpeas into the cropping system and organo-mineral fertilization on soil fertility. The experimental design was a strip split plot with 4 replications and three treatments corresponding to 3 crop residue management methods, 3 cropping systems with or without maize and cowpea, and 2 types of fertilization. Trials were conducted from the 2018 to 2020 cropping seasons. Soil moisture, the number of fungal and bacterial colonies and soil chemical characteristics were determined in 2020. The results show a significant increase in soil moisture on maize-wheat association plots of 9.28 and 8.58% for the 0-20 cm depth and 6.85 and 5.31% for the 20-40 cm depth respectively compared with pure maize and cowpea cultivation. For crop residue management and fertilization, soil moisture levels were identical for all treatments. Concerning soil micro-organisms, the results show that five (05) types of fungi were identified on the different treatments: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium moniliforme, Geotrichumcandidum and Trichoderma sp. The results obtained show no significant difference between treatments at the 5% threshold, either for fungi, bacteria or soil chemical characteristics. Consequently, the maize-cowpea association can be considered a sustainable soil fertility management practice in the western region of Burkina Faso. However, the choice between recycling crop residues by mulching and applying organo-mineral fertilizer must be determined by the farms themselves, according to their socio-economic reality.

Effect of fertility levels and stress mitigating chemicals on nutrient content, uptake, intercropping advantage and competition effect in cowpea-baby corn intercropping

The primary goal of this study was to analyze how various row ratios of intercrops, in conjunction with different fertilizer levels with spray of two stress mitigating chemical, affect nutrient content, land productivity, and economic viability during Summer season. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the competitive dynamics within legume/cereal intercropping systems. Hence, A field experiment at Agriculture University, Kota, during the summers of 2019 and 2020, investigated different cowpea + baby corn intercropping system's intercropping indices, nutrient dynamics, uptake, and post-harvest soil nutrient balance under varying recommended fertilizer levels and foliar spray of stress mitigating chemicals. Using a split-split plot design replicated four times, the experiment involved thirty treatment combinations, including five intercropping techniques viz. Sole cowpea, sole baby corn, cowpea + baby corn 2:1, cowpea + baby corn 3:1, cowpea + baby corn 4:1 in the main plot, three fertility levels viz. 100 %, 125 % and 150 % recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) in subplots, and two stress mitigation chemicals; CaCl2 0.5 % and KNO3 1% in sub-subplots. The findings revealed notable trends, including nitrogen (N) and (P) content in cowpea seeds and straw, baby corn cobs and fodder, as well as enhanced land-equivalent ratio (LER) and monetary advantage index (MAI) within the cowpea + baby corn 2:1 row ratio. However, despite these advantages, total N and P uptake were markedly higher in sole crops. Notably, sole cowpea demonstrated the highest actual N and P balance and lowest was under sole baby corn. Among the fertility levels, the 150 % RDF level exhibited the most favorable outcomes across various parameters, including LER, MAI, NP content, and uptake in both crops. Additionally, higher fertility levels correlated with increased apparent and actual soil nutrient balances. While, among stress mitigation chemicals, CaCl2 0.5 % resulted in significantly heightened N and P uptake. Hence, to optimize intercropping dynamics and maintain soil nutrient balance, it is advisable to intensify cowpea cultivation along with baby corn in a 2:1 row ratio, utilizing 150 % RDF is beneficial. Additionally, alleviating higher temperature stress during the summer season can be achieved by applying a 0.5 % solution CaCl2 through spraying at the flowering and pod development stages of cowpea.

Effects of the integrated use of organic and inorganic phosphorus sources in micro-doses on the yield and profitability of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Cultivation

An experiment was conducted in the field to evaluate the effect of phosphorus fertilization in microdose using organic and mineral fertilizers on the yield and profitability of cowpea cultivation. To achieve this, a balanced application of NPK and granular compost was provided to supply the same amount of phosphorus to the cowpea. Three treatments were compared in a split-plot design with three replications, where the treatments were in large plots and the cowpea varieties, numbering four (4), were in small plots. The three treatments are as follows: (i) T0 control treatment without fertilizer application, (ii) T1 application of two grams of NPK per hole, and (iii) T2 application of 9.375 grams of granular compost per hole. The results show a significant difference in yield parameters between treatments (pod yield, grain yield, and straw yield). The mean comparison test revealed that the control treatment and NPK are quite similar for these parameters. Thus, with compost, an increase of 69.17% in grain yield, 55.47% in pod yield, and 41.67% in straw yield was noted compared to the control. The VCR (value-cost ratio) and gross income were significantly improved by compost. The application of organic or mineral fertilizers for cowpea cultivation is profitable due to relatively high VCRs: 3.34 for NPK and 6.79 for compost. Therefore, the use of compost for cowpea cultivation proves to be economically more profitable, as it yields higher returns.

Assessing the adaptability and resilience of cowpea and maize varieties to various climatic zones of Côte d’Ivoire

The cultivation of cowpea and maize is common, but it is carried out without a prior selection of varieties that can effectively adapt to the specific climatic conditions of the zones. This study aimed at assessing cowpea and maize varieties in different ecological zones in order to identify the resilient varieties with respect to zone. The experiments were conducted in three different climatic and vegetation zones of Côte d’Ivoire: tropical rainforest zone, forest-savannah mosaic, and sub-Sudanian savannah in South, Centre-West, and North Côte d’Ivoire, respectively. In each zone, a randomized complete block design was used. Four varieties of both cowpea and maize were used. The analysis of variance was realized using grain yield data to compare varieties and climatic zones. The best varieties obtained differed according to the zones. Thus, in the tropical rain forest zone, the cowpea variety KVX780-6 and maize variety Violet de Katiola were the most yielding, with 593.30 kg ha−1 and 1270.84 kg ha−1, respectively. In forest-savannah mosaic, the cowpea variety KVX745-11P and maize variety SR21 obtained the highest yields, with 761.82 kg ha−1 and 2212.99 kg ha−1, respectively. The cowpea variety Tiligre and maize variety SR21 were the most productive in the sub-Sudanian savannah zone, with yields of 327.31 kg ha−1 and 1797.3 kg ha−1, respectively. Overall, the highest yield of cowpea (513.20 kg ha−1) and maize (1757.13 kg ha−1) were observed in forest-savannah mosaic. The best cowpea and maize varieties identified in each zone can be recommended to farmers.

Effect of Transient Waterlogging Stress on Growth, Physiology and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in Semi-Arid Region

Cowpea cultivation during rainy season is highly affected by the waterlogging stress due to unpredicted high-intensity rains. The studies on assessment of waterlogging effect on different growth stages of cowpea are necessary for planning mitigation strategies. Hence study was conducted during kharif (June to September) 2022 under factorial randomized block design (FRCBD) set up. The first factor consisted of seven waterlogging durations (3 to 15 days), and second factor was three growth stages of cowpea (15 DAE; Days after emergence, 25 DAE and at 50% flowering). The results revealed that regardless of growth stages, growth and yield attributes were drastically decreased with increased duration of waterlogging. The highest plant height (25.07 cm), number of branches plant–1 (5.33) and leaf area (205.27 cm2 plant–1), and number of pods plant–1 (4.27), pod length (15.24 cm), number of seeds pod–1 (14.27), grain (6.27 g plant–1) and haulm yield (15.62 g plant–1) were recorded with 3 days of waterlogging, whereas lowest values were reported with 15 days of waterlogging. Regarding growth stages, highest growth, and yield attributes were recorded with waterlogging during 50% flowering, followed by 25 DAE and 15 DAE. Moreover, the correlation study indicated that physiological parameters such as leaf protein content (r = 0.95) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI (r = 0.97) were positively related to grain yield. It was found that, cowpea is sensitive to high-intensity waterlogging (beyond 3–5 days) especially during the early growth stage (15 DAE).

Agronomic performance of cowpea cultivars in first crop in Southwest of Minas Gerais, Brazil

The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is well adapted to high temperatures, water deficits and low fertility soils, being widely cultivated in regions less favorable to common beans. Its grains are rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, representing an important food source and a promising alternative for producing protein at low cost, in a short space of time, given the precocity of its cycle. However, in the state of Minas Gerais there is only a recommendation for one cowpea cultivar, the Poços de Caldas cultivar. In addition to being quite old, it is no longer found in crop production fields. The aims of study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of cowpea cultivars and to recommend cultivars adapted to cultivation in edaphoclimatic conditions of Southwest Region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The experiments were carried out in Passos city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, during the first crop period, in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 years, with 10 commercial cowpea cultivars, in a randomized block experimental design, with five replications. The mass of a thousand seeds and the grain index correlated directly with the yield. Cultivars with the lowest grain yields promoted the highest pod lengths and number of grains per pod. The best morphophysiological results for cowpea were obtained in 2021/2022 year. The most adapted cowpea cultivars for period of first crop in edaphoclimatic conditions of Southwest Region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, were BRS Novaera, BRS Guariba, and BRS Xique-Xique and least indicated was BRS Marataoã. More studies are needed to consolidate cowpea cultivation in the Southwest Region of Minas Gerais, mainly in second-crop crops.

Compost as an Alternative to Inorganic Fertilizers in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] Production

ABSTRACTSoil fertility management is essential to sustain agricultural production in smallholder farming systems. An experiment was carried out to assess the viability of the combined use of compost and inorganic fertilizers as an alternative to conventional inorganic fertilization under greenhouse conditions. The 10 treatments, arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replications, consisted of a control, conventional mineral fertilization (150 kg NPK ha−1), composts added to the soil alone (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 t ha−1), and their combination with 50% of recommended rate of inorganic fertilizers (75 kg NPK ha−1). Application of 7.5 t ha−1 of compost and 50% of the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer (75 kg NPK ha−1) gave the significantly highest seed yield, corresponding to a 30% increase over NPK‐fertilized plants. The combined application of 2.5 or 10 t ha−1 compost with 75 kg NPK ha−1 increased plant height by 38% compared with the NPK treatment. Additionally, stem diameter increased by 53% when 5 t ha−1 of compost and 75 kg NPK ha−1 were mixed. As expected, control plants produced the most nodules (108), 85% more than inorganic fertilization. Plants fertilized with 7.5 or 10 t ha−1 of compost and 75 kg NPK ha−1 produced 17% more pods, seeds per pod, and seeds per plant than NPK treatments. However, fertilization treatments had no significant effects on cowpea fresh and dry biomass or SPAD values. The results reveal that combining compost with inorganic fertilizer reduced synthetic fertilization by 50%, while producing growth and yields comparable to, or even higher than, recommended inorganic fertilization. This experiment demonstrated that integrated soil fertility management can be used as an alternative to the use of inorganic fertilizers in cowpea cultivation.

Effect of Buried Straw Bioreactor Technology on CO2 Efflux and Indian Cowpea Yields

This study evaluates the efficacy of buried straw bioreactor (SBR) technology in enhancing soil properties, CO2 efflux, and crop yield, specifically focusing on Indian cowpea cultivation within a greenhouse environment. Conducted at the Yuxi Demonstration Park in Fujian, China, the experiment utilized a randomized block design incorporating seven treatments with varying straw application rates (4.5, 6, and 7.5 kg m−2) and burial depths (20 and 30 cm) alongside a control group. The investigation revealed that SBR technology significantly increased soil temperature, CO2 efflux, soil total nitrogen (TN), and total organic carbon (TOC), contributing to a marked improvement in the biomass of Indian cowpea roots, stems, and leaves. Notably, the optimal results were observed with 7.5 kg m−2 straw applied at a 20 cm depth, enhancing soil temperature by 1.5–2.0 °C and multiplying cowpea biomass by 2.1–6.4 times relative to the control. This treatment also led to the highest increases in soil TOC and CO2 efflux, demonstrating the potential of SBR technology for carbon sequestration and suggesting its application as a sustainable agricultural practice in cold regions to ameliorate the soil’s physical and nutritional characteristics, thus supporting enhanced crop production. The study underscores SBR technology’s role in addressing the challenge of agricultural waste through the effective reuse of crop straw, promoting the circular development of agriculture while safeguarding the ecological environment.

Salicylic acid improves cowpea productivity under water restriction in the field by modulating metabolism.

Salicylic acid has shown promise in alleviating water stress in cultivated plants. However, there is a lack of studies confirming its effectiveness in cowpea plants grown in field conditions. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the use of salicylic acid as a water stress mitigator in cowpea cultivars under different irrigation depths in field conditions. Four cowpea cultivars (BRS Novaera, BRS Tapaihum, BRS Pujante, and BRS Pajeú) were subjected to different treatments: control (W100: 100% replacement of crop evapotranspiration - ETc), W50 (50% of ETc), W50+SA2 (50% of ETc + 276 mg L-1 of SA), and W50+SA4 (50% of ETc + 552 mg L-1 of SA). The treatments were combined in a 4×4 factorial scheme with three replications, arranged in a randomized block design. Water restriction had a negative impact on the water status, growth, gas exchange, and production of the cultivars while also leading to changes in the antioxidant metabolism and osmolyte concentration. The application of SA enhanced antioxidant activity and the synthesis of osmotic adjusters under stress conditions. The most effective concentration was 276 mg L-1 in stage R2 and 552 mg L-1 in stage V7, respectively. The BRS Pujante cultivar showed increased productivity under water restriction with SA application, while the BRS Tapaihum was the most tolerant among the cultivars studied. In summary, our findings underscore the importance of using SA to mitigate the effects of water restriction on cowpea cultivation. These discoveries are crucial for the sustainability of cowpea production in regions susceptible to drought, which can contribute to food security. We further add that the adoption of new agricultural practices can enhance the resilience and productivity of cowpea as an essential and sustainable food source for vulnerable populations in various parts of the world.

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management with Foliar Application of Mono Potassium Phosphate on Soil Health in Cultivation of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Var. Mohini 34

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management with Foliar Application of Mono Potassium Phosphate on Soil Health in Cultivation of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Var. Mohini 34

Dataset: Cowpea Cultivars with Residual Organomineral Fertilizers from Crop Corn Cultivation

Cowpea is a critical dietary staple, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, due to its high protein content, essential amino acids, and other nutrients. This study aimed to assess the impact of residual organomineral fertilizers from a preceding corn crop on cowpea cultivars in southern Maranhão, Brazil. Two cowpea cultivars, BRS Tucumaque and BRS Nova Era, were evaluated using a randomized block design with three replications. This study incorporated two organomineral fertilizers derived from cattle manure and natural phosphates a simple superphosphate at a dose of 50 kg ha-1, and a control without phosphorus fertilization. The key agronomic traits measured included the number of nodes, pod per plant, grains per pod, thousand-grain weight, and yield per hectare. This research underscores the potential of organomineral fertilizers to enhance cowpea yield while minimizing environmental impact, offering a viable alternative to conventional fertilization methods. These findings advocate broader adoption of organomineral fertilizers in cowpea cultivation, potentially increasing yield and reducing costs. The database derived from this research is composed of 48 samples. Four types of fertilization were considered: control, simple superphosphate and two organomineral fertilizers; two planting systems with and without U. ruziensis straw; and two cultivars.

Impact of Plant Extracts on the Pollination Activity of <i>Apis mellifera</i> Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on Flowers of Cowpea Variety Feekem, in Dang (Adamaoua, Cameroon)

Synthetic pesticides present worldwide risks of contamination of humans, livestock and the environment due to the strong persistence and the toxic residues in fruits and vegetables. Natural biopesticides of local plant origin present low persistence and are the best alternative for the control of crop pests. In the Adamaoua region (Northern Cameroon), few studies exist concerning effects of botanical pesticides on the behavior of beneficial insects. Studies aimed to draw up a list of pollinating insects on flowers of <i>Vigna unguiculata </i>(L.) Walp., 1843 (Fabales: Fabaceae), in situations of treatment with botanical pesticides compared to the situation of the use of synthetic insecticide and to determine the effect of the biopesticides on the behavior of the main floricultural insects. Field investigations were carried out during two cowpea cultivation campaigns (June to September 2021 and June to October 2022) in Dang (suburb of Ngaoundere) on the effect of leaves extracts of local plant origin on the foraging behavior of <i>Apis mellifera</i> Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and the main sap-sucking insect <i>Aphis craccivora </i>Koch, 1854 (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Forty-four cowpea plots of 4x3.5 m each distributed according to the randomized complete block model (four untreated plots as negative control, four plots treated with the synthetic insecticide Parastar (40EC 535/ 10/IN, 20 g/l of imidacloprid and 20 g/l of lamda-cyhalothrin) as positive control, and 36 experimental plots treated with three concentrations (10%, 20% and 30%) of aqueous leaves extract of <i>Calotropis procera</i> (Gentianales: Apocynaceae), <i>Eucalyptus camaldulensis </i>(Myrtales: Myrtaceae), and <i>Tithonia diversifolia</i> (Asterales: Asteraceae) respectively, made it possible to conduct four treatments: (1) flowers left to freely pollination, (2) flowers protected against pollinators, (3) flowers visited exclusively by <i>Ap. mellifera</i> and (4) flowers protected against insects. Among eight species (four orders, four families and seven genera) recorded on the flowers of <i>V. unguiculata</i>, the domestic bee <i>Ap. mellifera</i> was the most common and collected nectar and pollen. The control plots and those treated with 10% or 20% aqueous leaves extracts allowed the bee to carry out its activity. Plots treated with 30% extract of each plant and those treated with the synthetic insecticide Parastar, drastically altered the rhythm and speed of activity in <i>Ap. mellifera</i> foragers. This behavior became less coordinated and slow on treated plants. It would be wise to use 10% or 20% aqueous extracts as botanical insecticides and an alternative to the synthetic insecticide Parastar.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Neem oil and Microalgae in the Management of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Leaf Spot Caused by Alternaria spp.

The current study aimed to assess the effectiveness of neem oil and microalgae in controlling leaf spot caused by Alternaria spp. in cowpea (Vigna unguiculataL.). The research was conducted during the Zaid season of 2022 at the Central Research Field of the Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, using a Randomized Block Design with three replications and seven treatments. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to draw conclusions from the data. Leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria spp poses a significant threat to cowpea crops, resulting in yield losses and decreased plant vigor. An in vivo study was carried out to evaluate the impact of different concentrations of microalgae combined with neem oil at 1% on plant growth parameters and Disease Intensity (%). The application of microalgae @540 grams in various splits and neem oil @1% was done. Among all the treatments, T4 (Microalgae 48gms @5 DAS 96gms@15,45 DAS + Neem oil @1% showed promising results. Notably, the T4 treatment significantly increased plant height (84.63 cm) and the number of branches(10.83) at60DAS. Moreover, an increased numberof nodules per plant (21.44) was observed at 75 DAS, indicating improved root health and nitrogen fixation. Additionally, the treatment led to longer pod length (34.44 cm) in three pickings, suggesting enhanced yield potential. Furthermore, the combined application of microalgae and neem oil resulted in a significant reduction in disease intensity, with a notable decrease of 24.47% compared to untreated plants and those treated with chemicals (Bavistin). This indicates that the use of microalgae and neem oil together effectively suppressed leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria spp. in cowpea, thereby improving plant health and productivity. In conclusion, these findings underscore the potential use of eco-friendly alternatives like microalgae and neem oil for managing leaf spot disease in cowpea cultivation. Further research in this area is recommended for sustainable agricultural practices.

Seasonal Effects on Performance of Three Dual-purpose Cowpeas Varieties Production in Sahelian Sandy Soil of Niger

In Niger, cowpea is primarily cultivated under rainfed conditions and therefore often suffers from water stress at the end of its cycle. However, cultivating dual-purpose varieties during the cold dry season can help minimize the effects of water stress and improve cowpea production. A field study was conducted to assess the seasonal effect (cold dry season and rainy season) on the yield of three dual-purpose cowpea varieties `over two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023. The analysis of the results shows that pod and seed yields during the cold dry season were on average higher than those of the rainy season. The varieties can produce an average of over 4000 kg/ha of seeds during the cold dry season compared to 1770.18 kg/ha during the rainy season. During the rainy season, the varieties produced more haulms than in the cold dry season, with 8217.38 kg/ha and 6163.19 kg/ha, respectively. During the cold dry season, cowpea benefited from low temperatures, which favored increased pod and seed yields. Due to its advantages, cowpea cultivation during the cold dry season should be developed and promoted in Niger.