Seasonal Effects on Performance of Three Dual-purpose Cowpeas Varieties Production in Sahelian Sandy Soil of Niger

Abstract

In Niger, cowpea is primarily cultivated under rainfed conditions and therefore often suffers from water stress at the end of its cycle. However, cultivating dual-purpose varieties during the cold dry season can help minimize the effects of water stress and improve cowpea production. A field study was conducted to assess the seasonal effect (cold dry season and rainy season) on the yield of three dual-purpose cowpea varieties `over two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023. The analysis of the results shows that pod and seed yields during the cold dry season were on average higher than those of the rainy season. The varieties can produce an average of over 4000 kg/ha of seeds during the cold dry season compared to 1770.18 kg/ha during the rainy season. During the rainy season, the varieties produced more haulms than in the cold dry season, with 8217.38 kg/ha and 6163.19 kg/ha, respectively. During the cold dry season, cowpea benefited from low temperatures, which favored increased pod and seed yields. Due to its advantages, cowpea cultivation during the cold dry season should be developed and promoted in Niger.