Influence of weather parameters on the growth and yield of cowpea in central zone of Kerala

Abstract

The Field experiment was conducted during the period, 2018 November to 2019 March. The experiment was laid out in split plot design, the main plot treatment was taken as date of planting. There were three dates of planting 5th November, 25th November and 15th December. The subplot treatment were two different varieties i.e. Anaswara and Kanakamony, both are semi trailing varieties. Plant height was monitored every 15 days interval. Total yield of each date of planting was recorded and ANOVA was carried out. From the analysis it was found out that Anaswara showed highest height after 15 days, later in the 30th, 45th, and 60 days the highest height was observed in Kanakamony. A considerable yield fluctuation was observed between each date of planting. During the first date of planting both the varieties showed a good yield, during second and third date of planting yield was found to be reduced. The Anaswara variety showed higher yield compared to Kanakamony. Correlation studies were conducted between performance of a variety and different weather parameter. From the correlation studies it was understood that maximum temperature , wind speed, and evaporation shows a significant negative correlation and minimum temperature, forenoon relative humidity and after noon relative humidity and bright sunshine hour showed a significant positive correlation with yield in the variety Anaswara. In the case of variety Kanakamony, maximum temperature, wind speed, bright sunshine hour and evaporation showed a significant negative correlation and minimum temperature, forenoon relative humidity, afternoon relative humidity and rainfall showed a significant positive correlation with yield.