Effect of Agro Ecological Zones on Cowpea Performance in the Central African Republic

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L, Walp) is a vegetable grown and consumed in tropical Africa. Few studies have been done on cowpea in the Central African Republic (CAR). The best popularization of accessions in circulation requires a study of varietal selection. For this reason, four local accessions of cowpea (Kahkir, Gbarahn Aie-toung and Bambalassa) collected from different localities were evaluated in three different sites representing main climatic zones in the CAR. An experimental device consisting of randomized square blocks was installed to perform the study. Quantitative parameters such as the growth in height and pod, haulm and seed yields were measured. Results showed that seed, pod and haulm yields are statistically different between the four cowpea accessions. The emergence rate of all the accessions was greater than 75%. Heights of the plants were significantly different depending on the study sites. The study also showed that all accessions are susceptible to the cowpea mosaic disease (CMD) with prevalence between 50 and 98%. The Kahkir and Gbarah accessions gave better pods, seeds and biomass and the most productive sites were M'Baïki in the climatic zone of Guinean forest. Keywords: Agronomic performance, local accessions, cowpea, field cultivation