Seven varieties of local cowpea (Vigna sinensis) collected from the mainland were examined to evaluate agronomic characters, yield components and productivity. Average flowering date of local cowpea was the 8th of August with earliest variety Gamaegwi...
Seven varieties of local cowpea (Vigna sinensis) collected from the mainland were examined to evaluate agronomic characters, yield components and productivity. Average flowering date of local cowpea was the 8th of August with earliest variety Gamaegwidongbu and latest variety Soebbuldongbu. Leaf area index (L.A.I.) and suppression of weeds were 7.8 and 86% respectively, indicating vigorous character of cowpea. Maturing time occured on the 14th of September and Soebbuldongbu variety showed latest maturing on the 30th of September. Grain yield per 10a. (kg/10a.) was 288.9kg and highest variety was Hindongbu (41 7.4kg).
Higher podding ratio (74.5%) was observed when compared to soybean (25-40%) and leaf sap pH was 6.08. Mean stem length of cowpea was 320 cm, and variety with longest stem was Pangyodongbu of 421cm. Pod length was 17.2 cm and longest in Hindongbu (22.2cm), shortest variety was Najudongbu (12.8cm). Soebbuldongbu showed longest main root length of 181cm and root penetrating depth was upto 65cm from the top soil, and mean root length of cowpea was 135crn.
Average number of pod per hill was 28.7 the greatest number was found in Mungokdongbu (39). Num-ber of seed per pod; 16.6 seeds, weight of 1 liter; 754g and weight of 100 grain was 17.4g. Mean seed size was 8.5 mm x 6.4.mm. The seed coat color varies greatly between varieties: brown (Soebbuldongbu), white (Hindongbu, Najudongbu), black (Gamaegwidongbu), pale gray (Pangyodongbu), gray (Mungok-dongbu) and yellowish white color (Suchondongbu).