Work

Forage Potential of Cowpea in a Double-cropping System Following Green Peas

Year: 1987

Type: article

Abstract: Cowpea [ Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] has not been considered as a doublecrop alternative in the midwestern United States. Forage potential of cowpea following green peas ( Pisum sativum L.) was studied in two field experiments in central and southern Minnesota. Dry-matter yield was higher in 1981 than in 1982 for all cowpea cultivars tested. Increasing the plant population improved yields for ‘California Black-eye Number 5’, ‘Alabama Giant Blackeye’, ‘Freezegreen’, and the breeding lines MN 139, MN 150, and Au 704, but not for ‘Colossus’. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was >63% for both stems and leaves in all cultivars and was not affected by plant population. Crude protein (CP) in leaves exceeded 20% for all treatments. We conclude that cowpea has excellent potential for supplying high-quality forage from double-cropping systems in the midwestern United States.

Source: HortScience

DOI: 10.21273/hortsci.22.2.241

Authors: Dyremple B. Marsh, Luther Waters, Gordon C. Marten

Institutions: University of Minnesota, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture

Language: English

Topic: Agricultural pest management studies

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,000