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Efect of Defoliation at Bud Initiation Stage on Dry Mass Production and Yield in Cowpea

M. A. Hossain
Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

M. M. I Biswas
Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

M. S. A. Fakir
Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Different degrees of defoliation (0%, 33%, 66%, and 100%) were employed at floral bud initiation stage (85 days after sowing) to investigate their effects on dry mass (OM) production, pod and seed yield in cowpea (Var. Fallon-1). Results revealed that DM production was similar between control and partial to moderate ( 33-66) defoliation (average of 74.7 g/plant). Result further showed that partial to moderate (33- 66%) defoliation at floral bud initiation stage, in general, increased yield with pod and seed yield were significantly highest in moderate (66%) defoliation (36.1 g/plant, 11.9 g/plant, respectively). It may be concluded that cowpea variety like Fallon-1 may sustain moderate defoliation with increased pod and seed yield. The practical implication of the results in relation to pest and disease control, and fodder yield are also discussed. : Defoliation,

Keywords: Canopy structure, DM partitioning, Pod and seed yield, Vigna unguiculata and Defoliation

Location: Mymensingh

Start Date: 01-11-1999

End Date: 01-04-2000

Program Area: Variety and Species

Commodity: Cowpea

Objectives:

i) To determine the effect of different degrees of defoliation at floral bud initiation stage on canopy structure; and ii) to investigate the magnitude of defoliation on DM production, pod and seed yield.

Methodology:

The experiments were conducted at the field laboratory of the Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (at 24°75' N latitude and 90⁰75' E longitude), during the period from November 1999 to April 2000 with the following treatments employed at floral bud initiation stage (85 days after sowing, DAS) : i) control (0%, no leaflet was clipped), ii) 33% defoliation (terminal leaflets of fully expanded pinnately trifoliate leaves were clipped), iii) 66% defoliation (two lateral leaflets of fully expanded pinnately trifoliate leaves were clipped), and iv) 100% defoliation (all leaflets of fully expanded pinnately trifoliate leaves were clipped). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RC~D) with three replications.

Source of Information: Bangladesh j. crop sci. 2006, 17 (1): 129.136

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

In Bangladesh, fodder Shortage is acute. The farmers are not capable to produce fodder crops replacing rice/wheat/pulse crops. This experiment would be viable alternative approach to meet up the fodder shortage in Bangladesh as partial to moderate defoliation provided green fodder (3.0-6.0 t/ha) . So, moderate defoliation in cowpea (variety Fallon-1) at floral bud initiation stage benefits in two ways by producing increased yield in one hand, and by providing fodder on the other. Removal of leaves in such way may be labour intensive. Investigation is urgently needed whether 66% leaf removal could be done either from base or from top of the plant employing little labour. Currently investigations in these regards are on progress. It may be concluded that of the different degrees of leaf removal, 66% defoliation at floral bud initiation stage (85 DAS) produced increased pod and seed yield whereas TDM remained unaffected.

Knowledge Management: Journal