SOUSA, M. E.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/7033579958425212; SOUSA, Moisés Esdras de.
Abstract:
Cowpea is one of the most cultivated legumes in the world, being present daily
in the food and diet of people, mainly in the North and Northeast regions where
production is carried out by small producers and family farmers. The objective
of the work was to evaluate seed germination and initial growth of cowpea
cultivars subjected to shading. The experiment was conducted in the
experimental area belonging to the Agrifood Science and Technology Center of
the Federal University of Campina Grande, Campus Pombal-PB. The
experimental design used was randomized blocks in a 4x4 factorial scheme
with 4 blocks (4 cowpea cultivars – Canapu, Costela de Vaca, Paulistinha and
Semper Verde x 4 shades – 0 (full light), 30%, 50% and 70% light retention).
The seeds used from the three cowpea cultivars came from local stores.
Shading was carried out using shadows. Sowing was carried out in
polypropylene trays containing commercial substrate. Daily assessments were
carried out for a period of 10 days after sowing to check the germination
percentage and germination speed index. At the end of this period, the following
measurements were taken: Plant height; Number of leaves per plant; Stem
diameter; Root length; Stem dry mass, leaf dry mass and root dry mass. The
results were subjected to analysis of variance to diagnose significant effects
using the F test, comparison of means for qualitative factors between
treatments using the Tukey test at a 5% probability level using the SISVAR
software. It is concluded that the rib cultivar was the most promising for
germination and initial growth of cowpea. Regarding shading, levels 50 and
70% were the most recommended for cowpea cultivars.
