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Title: COWPEAS AS AN ALTERNATIVE CROP FOR SUSTAINABLE CROP PRODUCTION IN THE DELMARVA REGION OF THE UNITED STATES

Author
item DADSON, R - U MD, EASTERN SHORE
item HASHEM, FAWZY - U MD, EASTERN SHORE
item JAVAID, I - U MD, EASTERN SHORE
item JOSHI, J - U MD, EASTERN SHORE
item ALLEN, A - U MD, EASTERN SHORE
item Devine, Thomas

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Meetings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/30/2004
Publication Date: 10/31/2004
Citation: Dadson, R.B., Hashem, F.M., Javaid, I., Joshi, J., Allen, A., Devine, T.E. 2004. Cowpeas as an alternative crop for sustainable crop production in the delmarva region of the United States [abstract]. American Society of Agronomy Abstracts [CDROM]. 6529.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Drought is an important yield reducing factor for corn and soybean which are the two major crops in the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia (Delmarva) region of the US. Cowpea is one of the most drought tolerant food legumes. Therefore, diverse cowpea genotypes were evaluated for adaptability to the Delmarva area. Cowpea genotypes were grown in rain-out shelters under non-water stressed and water stressed conditions. Results showed that under non-water stressed conditions cowpea genotypes California Blackeye 5, Champion and Mississippi Silver gave significantly higher seed yields, while genotypes Six Week Browneye and Two Crop Brown provided the lowest seed yield. Genotypes California Blackeye 5 and Champion gave comparatively better seed yields under water stressed conditions. California Blackeye 5 was generally among the high yielding genotypes. The highest biological yield under non-water stressed conditions was given by genotypes Two Crop Brown, White Acre and Elite whereas under water stressed conditions genotypes California Blackeye 5, Texas Cream 8, and Mississippi Silver gave the maximum biological yield. Genotypes Quickpick Pinkeye and Elite were identified as early maturing genotypes. High yielding Cowpea genotypes could play an important role in sustaining crop production in the Delmarva region and could be an alternative crop, especially, for small scale farms whenever severe drought is expected.