Published online by Cambridge University Press: 03 October 2008
Fourteen varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) were compared for yields of forage and seed from two sowing dates, using various agronomic parameters. Yields ranged from 1048 to 5044, 185 to 920 and 864 to 3321 kg/ha for dry matter, crude protein and seed respectively, with advantages from spreading as against semi-erect types, and early rather than late July sowing. IVu 1283-1 and IVu 1283-2 effectively combined vegetative and seed yield, and appeared most suitable for fodder and seed production. A simple forage yield index (FYI), useful in yield prediction, was evolved.