Influence of Late Planting on Growth and Yield of F3 Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Inbred Lines in the Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecology of Ghana

Planting time is an essential agronomic practice for the growth and yield of crops. This phenomenon enhances the crop ability to perform better in varied environments. The experiment was conducted during the late season in September, 2020 at the University for Development Studies (UDS) experimental field. The objective was to evaluate the influence of late planting on the growth and yield of third filial generation of cowpea inbred lines. The experiment was a single factor experiment laid in a randomized complete block design. The lines were ABF3, GOF3, MF3, SAF3 and an advance breeding line IT93K503-1, used as a standard check. Data was collected on plant height, Leaf area, branch count at harvest, Chlorophyll Content, Days to 50% flowering, Days to 95% maturity, Number of seeds per plant, Pod weight per plant, Pod length per plant, Number of seeds per pod, Hundred seed weight, Dry matter, and grain yield. Data was analyzed using Gen Stat Statistical package 12th edition and treatment means were separated at 5% probability level. Results showed significant differences in eight parameters measured. SAF3 recorded the highest plant height and leaf area. SAF3 recorded the highest chlorophyll, while GOF3 recorded the lowest chlorophyll content. Again, GOF3 flowered early compared with the check but SAF3 recorded the longest days to flower. GOF3 matured early, whilst SAF3 took the longest days to pod maturity. SAF3 had the highest grain yield. The results obtained in the study showed that, planting time had significant influence for grain yield of cowpea.