Effect of density and duration of Euphorbia heterophylla (L.) on the performance of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) (Walp).

Abstract

A study of the effect of weed density and weed duration on the performance of Vigna unguiculata
(Walp) using Euphorbia heterophylla as the test weed was carried out on a sandy loamy soil. The result revealed that
there was no significant difference between the control and the treatment, and among the treatments in the performance
of cowpea in the first three weeks of planting. Increase in the weed density and weed duration however reduced the leaf
number per plant, stem height, pod and seed number per plant. Increase in weed density and duration also caused a
reduction in both the quality and quantity of the reproductive performance of cowpea in terms of pod length, filling
potential, seed number per plant, pod weight and weight of fifty seeds per plant.
Key Words: Cowpea; Vigna unguiculata; Weed density; Weed duration; Euphorbia teherophylla