Waterlogging stress reduces cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) genotypes growth, seed yield, and quality at different growth stages: Implications for developing tolerant cultivars under field conditions

• DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2023.108336
• Publication Date: 2023-05-08T18:11:13Z
• Authors: Omolayo J. Olorunwa; Bikash Adhikari; Skyler Brazel; Raju Bheemanahalli; T. Casey Barickman; K. Raja Reddy
• Keywords: Waterlogging (archaeology); Stomatal Conductance

Waterlogging is a significant abiotic stress that reduces the oxygen supply to roots in rhizosphere, impairing plant growth and development. Cowpea highly sensitive waterlogging, their grain yield affected by genotype stage. Understanding physiological responses of cowpea waterlogging crucial for developing strategies improve crop waterlogged environments. In this two-year field trial, we quantified impact ten days on morpho-physiological attributes, seed components, quality two genotypes (UCR 369 EpicSelect.4) at different stages. during reproductive (R2) stage had most substantial cowpea, with an average reduction leaf area 65%, chlorophyll content 39%, stomatal conductance (gs) 93%, photochemical efficiency 32% compared non-waterlogged plants. These effects were less pronounced vegetative (V4) maturity (R7) Lower photosynthetic capacity resulted biomass accumulation, pod dry weight, number pods per plant, weight under waterlogging. EpicSelect.4 was more R2 stage, showing greater (58%) UCR (46%). Additionally, maintained protein conditions, while it decreased 8% seeds. Overall, tolerant than EpicSelect.4, apparent effect yields occurring due high energy demands process. Our study highlights importance selecting tolerance mitigate negative flood-prone results provide valuable insights into mechanisms cowpea's can aid improving environments, which are expected become frequent climate change.