Dry Matter Partitioning of Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Under Water Deficit Conditions

Abstract

Water Stress caused reduction of seed yield in cowpea plants by decreasing total biomass and photosynthesis. The source leaf, pod and seed water potential of stressed cowpea were lower than water potential in non-stressed plants. No differences in water potential and turgor were observed between pod walls and seed of cowpea plants. Partitioning of the total above ground dry matter was similar for both stressed and nonstressed cowpea plants. Photosynthetic rates of single leaves from cowpea were greater for nonstressed than stressed plants. The duration of seed growth of cowpea was not different between stressed and nonstressed plants; however, rate of seed growth at the end of seed filling period was greater in nonstressed plants. Seed growth rate of both stressed and nonstressed cowpea plants declined at about the same time photosynthesis of the source leaf declined. Leaf area index was greatest in nonstressed cowpea.