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Integrated Field and Glasshouse Screening for Environmental Sensitivity in Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata)*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 April 2017

R.J. Summerfield
Affiliation:
University of ReadingDepartment of Agriculture and Horticulture, Plant Environment Laboratory, Shinfield, Reading
H.C. Wien
Affiliation:
University of ReadingDepartment of Agriculture and Horticulture, Plant Environment Laboratory, Shinfield, Reading
F.R. Minchin
Affiliation:
University of ReadingDepartment of Agriculture and Horticulture, Plant Environment Laboratory, Shinfield, Reading

Extract

Effects of daylength and night temperature on the onset of flowering of selected cowpea cultivars have been investigated, using automatically controlled glasshouses at Reading. The results show close agreement with those from field trials in Nigeria, wherein low intensity incandescent lighting was used to extend the natural daylength. As the field technique has proved an effective screen for daylength insensitivity, future screening work in glasshouses can be for effects of night temperature on time to first flower and for day temperature on the rate of leaf senescence and components of seed yield. This integrated approach can accelerate the screening of cowpea cultivars for sensitivity to environmental factors over ranges characteristic of the low altitude, humid tropics.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1976

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Footnotes

Present address: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria.

*

Collaborative research project sponsored by UK Ministry of Overseas Development

References

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