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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Charleston, South Carolina » Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #194677
Title: ASSESSMENT OF COWPEA GENOTYPES FOR USE AS A WEED-SUPPRESSING COVER CROP

Author
item Harrison Jr, Howard
item Thies, Judy
item Fery, Richard
item SMITH, J - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/31/2006
Publication Date: 7/15/2006
Citation: Harrison Jr, H.F., Thies, J.A., Fery, R.L., Smith, J.P. 2006. Assessment of cowpea genotypes for use as a weed-suppressing cover crop. HortScience. 41:991.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A preliminary screening experiment was conducted to evaluate 47 cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes for use as a weed-suppressing cover crop. Lines evaluated in this study included forage varieties, PI accessions, experimental breeding lines, and land races of unknown origin. Of these, 11 were selected for further testing on the basis of vigorous growth and weed-suppressing ability. In a field experiment repeated over 4 years, the selected genotypes were not different from the leading cover crop cultivar, Iron Clay, in biomass production. Vigor ratings, vine growth ratings, and canopy widths of some genotypes exceeded those of Iron Clay. Vigor ratings and canopy measurements were efficient selection criteria that could be useful for breeding cover crop cowpea cultivars. All selections except an African cultivar, Lalita, were highly resistant to southern root knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood], and the genotypes varied in seed size, photoperiod, and response to diseases.