Influence of air humidity on variability of morphological features of <i>Vigna unguiculata</i> (L.) Walp. in artificial conditions

Abstract

Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) is a species widely cultivated in southern countries, it occupies the third place in the world in terms of cultivation area among leguminous crops. Cowpea is distinguished by its resistance to drought and infertile lands, productivity, nutritional value and excellent culinary qualities of pods and seeds. In recent years interest in vegetable varieties of cowpea has increased in Russia. It is necessary the creation of new varieties that adapted to cultivation in different regions and suitable for mechanized cultivation. The type of stem growth habit is one of important signs in the selection of modern cowpea varieties. Knowledge of variability and stability of this feature and its interrelationships with other morphological features is necessary for the effective implementation of culture breeding programs. 4 cowpea samples with different growth types were the material in this study. The plants were grown in contrast air humidity conditions at 60% and 90%. At total 14 morphological features were analyzed in 110 plants. The analysis revealed the significant influence of air humidity on the variability of the length and width of the first leaf. It was shown influence of humidity on the ability of plants to form a climbing shoot. The variability of length of the second internode, the pod length and the width of the middle leaflet was depended on the individual characteristics of the genotype. The variation in plant length was due to a complex of factors and it was interrelated with growth conditions and genotypic characteristics. In addition, an unidentifiable effect of air humidity on the growth habit type of different samples was revealed.