Yield response and stability among cowpea genotypes at three planting dates and test environments (original) (raw)

of the traditional cropping systems in the semiarid tropics. Its productivity is generally low since farmers still grow unimproved landraces as a result of unavailability of improved and locally adapted cultivars. The objective of this study was to determine the relative yield response and stability among selected improved cowpea genotypes to make recommendation for wide or specific adaptation. Field experiments were conducted at three locations, three planting dates using ten diverse cowpea genotypes in South Africa during 2005/2006. The experiments were laid out in the randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed significant interactions (P≤0.01) among genotypes, planting dates and locations for seed yield. The average yield varied from 2583.37 to 3997.78 kg/ha. Genotypes Pan311, CH14 and IT18E-16 were identified with high seed yield measured at 3997.78, 3777.15, and 3751.48 kg/ha, respectively. These genotypes were the most stable yielding that would be suitable for production under these or other similar environments in South Africa.