Salicylic acid and polymer on the quality of cowpea seeds grown under water deficit

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cowpea is the third most cultivated legume in the world, and its cultivation can be intended for both grains and seeds. Plants intended for seed production, when exposed to water deficit, may compromise their physical and physiological quality, necessitating the development of strategies to minimize their damage, such as the application of salicylic acid and HumigelPlus® polymer. The objective of this study was to evaluate salicylic acid and HumigelPlus® polymer concentrations to reduce the effects of water deficit on the physical and physiological quality of cowpea seeds. The landrace cowpea seeds used in this study were sourced from two field experiments (Summer and spring). The treatments consisted of five concentrations of salicylic acid (0, 0.29, 1, 1.71, and 2 mM) and five concentrations of HumigelPlus® polymer (0, 0.29, 1, 1.71, and 2%) combined according to the Central Composite Design and a control group (absence of water deficit and application of salicylic acid and HumigelPlus® polymer). The values of electrical conductivity, germination, emergence, weight, and water content of cowpea seeds were higher with the application of salicylic acid (mM) and HumigelPlus® polymer (%) concentrations between 0.29 and 2, regardless of the season. The application of salicylic acid (mM) and HumigelPlus® polymer (%) concentrations between 0.29 and 2, both in summer and spring cultivation, reduces the effects of water deficit on the physical and physiological quality of cowpea seeds.