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Pod Development Period in Cowpeas: Varietal Differences as Related to Seed Characters and Environmental Effects¹

Yield production in grain legumes is governed by the length of the reproductive period which in turn depends on the time from anthesis to maturity of individual pods (pod development period). To determine genetical and environmental effects on pod development period (PDP) in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.), individual flowers were tagged at anthesis and the time to pod maturity noted in several experiments. In two field experiments, PDP of 91 and 65 cowpea lines, respectively, varied from 17 to 24 days, and was positively correlated with seed weight. Long PDP was also associated with rough seed-coat texture. Dry matter accumulation by individual pods of three cultivars differing in PDP determined in a pot experiment showed differing durations of pod and seed growth. Altering temperature of individual pods by covering with black or white cloth sleeves demonstrated the temperature dependence of PDP.

Key Words: Temperature effects • Effective pod growth period • Selection • Seed coat texture • Vigna unguiculata> L. Walp

² Plant physiologist, Grain Legume Improvement Program, IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria. Vacation scholar, IITA; Present address: Univ. Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Received for publication June 30, 1978.