Development of short duration cowpea varieties

Abstract

Cowpea is an important legume crop grown for grain, green vegetable, fodder and green manuring in India having 20-30% protein & minerals. Short duration cowpea varieties maturing in 60-70 days can be cultivated as a niche crop in different cropping systems to harness the maximum income from per unit area of land. Cowpea crop can be grown in tropical and subtropical climates both in plains and upto mid hills. Some improved short duration cowpea varieties have bean developed at Pantnagar University like Pant Lobia-1, Pant Lobia-2, Pant Lobia-3, Pant Lobia-4 & Pant Lobia-5. These varieties can be sown in spring-summer season under irrigated condition in northern plains from first week of March to 10 April and in kharif season from July to August.