Cowpea (V. unguiculata L.) origin, distribution, characteristics and use

Tsvetelina Stoilova

Abstract: The globe warming placed crops under unfavorable for their development conditions. In searching new alternative solution in that study, a change of crop structure was necessitated accordingly to their reaction to abiotic stress factors (drought tolerance). The legume crops are not capricious to soil type but respond very sensible to climatic factors. The cultivars not possessing good drought tolerance and better plasticity reduced their reproductive organs and thus, affect substantially yield. The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) manifests better adaptability to stress environments. The better tolerance to drought of this crop gives advantages and ensure more stable yield comparing with common beans. Technology of cultivation of cowpea suitable for South part of the country has been developed. The chemical contents of grains were determined.

Keywords: characteristics, drought tolerance; cowpea; Vigna unguiculata

Date published: 2017-01-31