Growth and yield characters of three varieties of cowpea (vigna unguiculata L. walp.) in response to different concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the response of Indole -3-acetic acid (IAA) on the agronomical and yield characters of three varieties of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) (SP6, SP9 and SP11) at four different concentrations of IAA; 250mg/l, 500mg/l, 750mg/l and 1000mg/l respectively. Results showed that IAA at different concentrations had certain effects on the growth and yield parameters in the three varieties of cowpea. There was a general increase in the number of leaves of SP6, SP9 and SP11 with increased IAA concentration. Moderate concentrations of IAA (500mg/l and 750mg/l) enhanced the development of leaf area across the three varieties investigated. However, number of pod/plant increased on exposure to the least concentration (250mg/L) of IAA, higher concentrations of IAA had no significant effect on the number of seeds. In Variety SP11 and SP6, no visible differences were observed in the number of days to germination across all treatment levels including the Control.