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Seedling spacing is an important factor which plays a vital role in boosting yield. Many plants are very sensitive to this factor especially cowpea, a key plant with major benefits to households nutrition and health around the world. However, cowpea seedling spacing still a factor that requires adjustment in many countries, especially in Burundi where this crop is not yet well domesticated, with cultivation under traditional systems, inadequate planting methods coupled with lack of different varieties. An experiment was carried out in three blocks completely randomized with three replications for each. It has considered three cowpea varieties (local and Tanzanian varieties (Katumani and Vuli)) and four seedling spacing (SS): SS1 (50cmX40cm); SS2 (50cmX50cm); SS3 (60cmX40cm) and SS4 (60cmX50cm). Results highlighted Seedling spacing SS1 as the effective seedling spacing which could effectively improve all studied growth parameters and yield attributes for local and katumani varieties. It has effectively improved plant height; leaf area index; the number of flowers, pods and grains. Moreover, this seedling spacing has also recorded enhanced crop yield, whence it has been considered as the most effective seedling spacing, especially for local (L) and katumani (K), varieties which could be considered for cultivation in Burundi. Regarding Vuli variety, although it has also recorded improved yield, data variabilities was observed, whence further studies were recommended for more clarification. |
