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Effects of Defoliation and Topping on Semi-Upright Cowpeas [Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in a Humid Tropical Environment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

F. O. C. Ezedinma
Affiliation:
Department of Plant/Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

Summary

The yield of cowpeas could be increased by judicious defoliation of the older leaves or by topping the growing apices at the onset of flowering. Limited defoliation at the pre-flowering stage did not reduce the yield of beans significantly but severe defoliation at any stage prior to maturity drastically reduced yield. Satisfactory yields of cowpea could be obtained by maintaining only about one-half to two-thirds of the potential leaf-area of the plants, suggesting that a reduction in the number and area of leaves, coupled with a better display of the fewer remaining leaves, could make cowpeas more productive than hitherto.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1973

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