Effects of Time of Sowing and Phosphamidon (Dimecron) on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Abstract

SUMMARYApplication of dimecron to cowpea plants increased grain yield, its effect being more pronounced in widely spaced plants and those planted in March. Dimecron increased grain yield by encouraging greater leaf area development, by increasing the number of flowering inflorescences and the number of pods set per inflorescence, and by decreasing the number of shrivelled pods. March planting encouraged greater dry matter production than January and May planting. Dimecron application decreased the number of Ootheca beningseni, reduced the proportion of leaf damaged by these insects, and reduced the number of plants infested with aphids and Acidodis larvae.