EFFECTS OF SPACING ON SEED YIELD, SEED QUALITY AND ABOVEGROUND BIOMASS OF COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) UNDER RAIN-FED CONDITIONS AT CENTRAL GONDAR ZONE, ETHIOPIA
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Abstract
The productivity and quality of forage cowpea are very low due to the use of inappropriate spacing for the selected varieties used in the study area. The study was conducted for two years (2022 and 2023) on-farm to determine the effects of inter- and intra-row spacing on biomass and seed yield and yield-related traits of selected cowpea variety IT92KD258-9. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications in a factorial arrangement of three inter-rows (40, 50 and 60 cm) and three intra-rows (20, 30 and 40 cm) spacing. Data on growth attributes, biomass yield, reproductive parameters and harvest index were recorded. All data were subjected to analysis of variance procedures, with a significance test at p<0.05. The interaction effects of inter- and intra-row spacing either positively or negatively influenced all parameters except dry matter percent (%), leaf-to-stem ratio, hundred seed weight (g) and seed moisture content (%). Every increase in inter- and intra-row spacing was accompanied by a corresponding decrease in biomass yield with related attributes and an increase in seed yield, some seed quality traits and harvest index. The maximum fresh herbage yield (46.04 t ha-1) and dry biomass yield (10.69 t ha-1) were obtained at a spacing combination of 40 cm inter and 20 cm intra-rows. The highest haulm yields (2.78 t ha-1) and (2.64 t ha-1) were recorded at 50 and 40 cm and 50 and 30 cm inter and intra-row spacing combinations, respectively. The better seed yield (1697.31 kg ha-1) with better seed germination (95.83%) was attained at 50 and 40 cm inter and intra-row spacing combinations. Based on the study results, a combination of 40 and 20 cm inter and intra-row spacing appears preferable regarding biomass yield production and a 50 and 40 cm inter and intra-row spacing combination is a recommendable optimum spacing for cowpea seed production with a better quality.
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Desalegn AMSALU, Gondar Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 1337, Gondar, Ethiopia, Phone: +251932272615
Dessalegn Amsalu has MSc. Degree in Animal Production at Gondar University. Currently, he is working at the Amhara Agricultural Research Institute, Gondar Agricultural Research Center as an Animal feed and Nutrition Researcher.
Kifetew ADANE, Gondar Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 1337, Gondar, Ethiopia, Phone: +251932272615
Kifetew Adane has MSc. Degree in Animal Production at Gondar University. Currently, he is working at the Amhara Agricultural Research Institute, Gondar Agricultural Research Center as an Animal feed and Nutrition Researcher.
Tesfahun ZEWDU, Gondar Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 1337, Gondar, Ethiopia, Phone: +251932272615
Tesfahun Zewdu has BSc. Degree in Animal and range science at DillaUniversity. Currently, he is working at the Amhara Agricultural Research Institute, Gondar Agricultural Research Center as an Animal feed Junior Researcher.
Tikunesh ZELALEM, Gondar Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 1337, Gondar, Ethiopia, Phone: +251932272615
Tikunesh Zelalem has PhD. Degree in Animal Nutrition at Hawassa University. Currently, she is working at the Amhara Agricultural Research Institute, Gondar Agricultural Research Center as Livestock Research Directorate Coordinator and Animal Feeds and Nutrition Researcher.