ABSTRACT The effects of biochar and nitrogen application on yields of upland rice and cowpea and on soil fertility were determined in a greenhouse in Macaíba, RN, Brazil. The trial consisted of the succession of two crops in a completely randomized design and a factorial scheme, with four replicates. Initially, four doses of biochar and four doses of nitrogen were tested for cultivation of rice. Subsequently, four doses of biochar and two doses of nitrogen were tested in half of the pots maintained for planting cowpea. Soil was sampled after rice harvest for half of the pots and at end of the trial for the remaining pots. We evaluated the following parameters: mass of hundred grains of rice, dry shoot mass, panicle number, number of filled spikelets and of empty spikelets, and grain production. Determinations for cowpea were: pod number per pot, grain number per pod, and grain production per pot. Measured soil parameters were: pH, contents of organic carbon, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable sodium percentage. Biochar addition did not influence yield components of upland rice and cowpea, but resulted in increased soil N retention, which influenced rice dry shoot mass, spikelets sterility, panicle number, and grain mass. Biochar also promoted increased soil pH, potassium content, and exchangeable sodium percentage and decreased calcium and magnesium concentrations. | RESUMO Os efeitos da aplicação de carvão vegetal e nitrogênio sobre a produtividade de arroz de terras altas e feijão-caupi e a fertilidade do solo foram determinados em ambiente protegido em Macaíba, RN, Brasil. O experimento constou de dois cultivos sucessivos em delineamento experimental completamente casualizado em arranjo fatorial, com quatro repetições. Inicialmente, foram testadas quatro doses de carvão vegetal e quatro de nitrogênio para a cultura do arroz. A seguir, foi cultivado feijão-caupi em metade dos vasos (quatro doses de carvão e duas de nitrogênio). O solo foi amostrado após a colheita do arroz, em metade dos vasos, e ao final do experimento, nos vasos restantes. Do arroz foram determinados, massa de cem grãos e, por vaso, massa seca da parte aérea, número de panículas, número de grãos cheios e grãos vazios e produção de grãos. Do feijão-caupi foram determinados: número de vagens por vaso, número de grãos por vagem e produção de grãos por vaso. No solo foram determinados: pH, teores de carbono orgânico, P, K, Ca, Mg e Na, capacidade de troca de cátions e percentagem de sódio trocável. As doses de carvão vegetal não influenciaram nas características de produção do arroz e feijão-caupi, mas favoreceram a retenção de nitrogênio no solo, que se refletiu sobre massa seca da parte aérea do arroz, esterilidade das espiguetas, número de panículas e massa dos grãos. Além disso, promoveram aumento no pH, teor de potássio e percentagem de sódio trocável do solo, com diminuição no teor de cálcio e magnésio.

The effects of biochar and nitrogen application on yields of upland rice and cowpea and on soil fertility were determined in a greenhouse in Macaíba, RN, Brazil. The trial consisted of the succession of two crops in a completely randomized design and a factorial scheme, with four replicates. Initially, four doses of biochar and four doses of nitrogen were tested for cultivation of rice. Subsequently, four doses of biochar and two doses of nitrogen were tested in half of the pots maintained for planting cowpea. Soil was sampled after rice harvest for half of the pots and at end of the trial for the remaining pots. We evaluated the following parameters: mass of hundred grains of rice, dry shoot mass, panicle number, number of filled spikelets and of empty spikelets, and grain production. Determinations for cowpea were: pod number per pot, grain number per pod, and grain production per pot. Measured soil parameters were: pH, contents of organic carbon, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable sodium percentage. Biochar addition did not influence yield components of upland rice and cowpea, but resulted in increased soil N retention, which influenced rice dry shoot mass, spikelets sterility, panicle number, and grain mass. Biochar also promoted increased soil pH, potassium content, and exchangeable sodium percentage and decreased calcium and magnesium concentrations.

ABSTRACT The precocity of cowpea is important because it indicates the possibility of increasing and/or stabilizing production in regions with long periods of drought. The aim of this study was to evaluate genetic variability and select extra-early cowpea progenies. Fifteen F3:6 progenies were evaluated in 2014 while sixty-two F7 progenies were evaluated in 2015. Two commercial cultivars were used in experiments performed in the irrigated perimeter of Baixo Acaraú, in Marco, CE. The following characteristics were evaluated: number of days for flowering (NDF), number of days for maturity (NDM), plant height (PH), pod length (PL), number of seeds per pod (NSP), number of grains per plant (NGP), weight of 100 grains (W100G) and total weight (MTOT). Data were analyzed in lattice and RBD, according to the methodology of mixed models by the REML/BLUP procedure. Also, the components of variance and genetic values were estimated. Variability among progenies, high heritability and high accuracy were identified for all traits. For NDF and NDM, the progenies presented higher behavior than the controls. The lattice arrangement contributed to a greater gain with the selection of NDF, NDM, PH, NSP, NGP and WTOT. The genotypes 12, 15, 30, 33, 41, 43 and 52 are among the top ten because they have high genetic values in three or more traits. The genotypes 12, 15, 30, 33, 43 and 52 highlight extra-earliness (precocity). | RESUMO A precocidade é importante para o feijão-caupi por representar a possibilidade de aumentar e/ou estabilizar a produção em regiões com longos períodos de estiagem. Objetivou- se avaliar a variabilidade genética e selecionar progênies de feijão-caupi extraprecoces. Foram avaliadas 15 progênies F3:6 em 2014 e 62 progênies F7 em 2015, juntamente com duas cultivares comerciais em experimentos conduzidos no perímetro irrigado Baixo Acaraú, localizado no município de Marco, CE. Foram avaliados os caracteres: número de dias para o florescimento (NDF), número de dias para a maturação (NDM), altura de planta (ALT), comprimento de vagem (CPV), número de grãos por vagem (NGV), número de grãos por planta (NGP), massa de 100 grãos (M100G) e massa total (MTOT). Os dados foram analisados em DBIL e DBC, segundo a metodologia de modelos mistos, via procedimento REML/BLUP. Foram estimados os componentes de variância e os valores genéticos. Identificou-se variabilidade entre as progênies, alta herdabilidade e elevada acurácia em todos os caracteres avaliados. As progênies apresentaram comportamento superior às testemunhas para NDF e NDM. O arranjo em látice apresentou maior eficiência que o DBC, pelo maior ganho obtido com a seleção nos caracteres NDF, NDM, ALT, NGV, NGP e MTOT. Os genótipos 12, 15, 30, 33, 41, 43 e 52 encontram-se entre os dez superiores, por apresentarem valores genéticos elevados em três ou mais caracteres. Os genótipos 12, 15, 30, 33, 43 e 52 destacam-se como os mais precoces.

The precocity of cowpea is important because it indicates the possibility of increasing and/or stabilizing production in regions with long periods of drought. The aim of this study was to evaluate genetic variability and select extra-early cowpea progenies. Fifteen F3:6 progenies were evaluated in 2014 while sixty-two F7 progenies were evaluated in 2015. Two commercial cultivars were used in experiments performed in the irrigated perimeter of Baixo Acaraú, in Marco, CE. The following characteristics were evaluated: number of days for flowering (NDF), number of days for maturity (NDM), plant height (PH), pod length (PL), number of seeds per pod (NSP), number of grains per plant (NGP), weight of 100 grains (W100G) and total weight (MTOT). Data were analyzed in lattice and RBD, according to the methodology of mixed models by the REML/BLUP procedure. Also, the components of variance and genetic values were estimated. Variability among progenies, high heritability and high accuracy were identified for all traits. For NDF and NDM, the progenies presented higher behavior than the controls. The lattice arrangement contributed to a greater gain with the selection of NDF, NDM, PH, NSP, NGP and WTOT. The genotypes 12, 15, 30, 33, 41, 43 and 52 are among the top ten because they have high genetic values in three or more traits. The genotypes 12, 15, 30, 33, 43 and 52 highlight extra-earliness (precocity).

ABSTRACT This work evaluated the effect of soil water availability on growth and productivity variables of cowpea in northeastern Pará, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in a field of 2,100 m2 at the experimental site of the Federal Rural University of Amazon, during the driest season of the years 2011, 2012 and 2013, in a completely randomised design with two treatments (irrigated and non-irrigated), both with 12 replications in the reproductive phase (2012 and 2013). Growth and productivity data were submitted to analysis of variance with two variation factors (water regime and experimental year) at 5% probability. Student's t -test at 5% probability was used in the means of the stomatal conductance data, since this was monitored only in 2012. Final biomass production presented a reduction of 54.3% in 2012 and 26.4% in 2013 as a result of water deficit (DEF) of 76 and 26 mm, respectively. Mean stomatal conductance was reduced by 73% in the grain-filling stage as a result of the lower water availability during this period. Average cowpea productivity under water deficit reached 1,257 kg ha-1 in 2012 and 1,396 kg ha-1 in 2013. The reduction in water supply over the reproductive period significantly decreased production by 72 and 41% (F test, p < 0.05) in 2012 and 2013, respectively. An accumulated water deficit during the reproductive phase caused a maximum LAI reduction of 47% in 2012 (DEF of 76 mm) and of 13% in 2013 (DEF of 26 mm). | RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da disponibilidade de água no crescimento e produtividade do feijão-caupi cultivado no Nordeste do estado do Pará, Brasil. O experimento foi realizado em uma área de 2.100 m2 na Fazenda Escola da Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, durante o período menos chuvoso de 2011, 2012 e 2013, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos (irrigado e não irrigado), com 12 repetições na fase reprodutiva (2012 e 2013). Dados de crescimento e de produtividade foram submetidos a análise de variância com dois fatores de variação (regime hídrico e ano experimental) a 5% de probabilidade. Utilizou-se o teste t de Student a 5% de probabilidade nas médias de condutância estomática por ser monitorada apenas em 2012. A produção final de biomassa apresentou redução de 54,3% em 2012 e de 26,4% em 2013 devido a ocorrência de uma deficiência hídrica (DEF) de 76 e de 26 mm, respectivamente. A condutância estomática média foi reduzida em 73% na fase de enchimento de grãos devido a menor disponibilidade de água nesta fase. A produtividade média do caupi sob baixa deficiência hídrica atingiu 1.257 kg ha-1 em 2012 e 1.396 kg ha-1 e 2013. A redução da água diminuiu em 72% e 41% o rendimento do caupi (teste F, p < 0,05) em 2012 e 2013, respectivamente. A deficiência hídrica acumulada na fase reprodutiva causou redução de 47% no máximo IAF em 2012 (DEF de 76 mm) e de 13% em 2013 (DEF de 26 mm).

This work evaluated the effect of soil water availability on growth and productivity variables of cowpea in northeastern Pará, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in a field of 2,100 m2 at the experimental site of the Federal Rural University of Amazon, during the driest season of the years 2011, 2012 and 2013, in a completely randomised design with two treatments (irrigated and non-irrigated), both with 12 replications in the reproductive phase (2012 and 2013). Growth and productivity data were submitted to analysis of variance with two variation factors (water regime and experimental year) at 5% probability. Student's t -test at 5% probability was used in the means of the stomatal conductance data, since this was monitored only in 2012. Final biomass production presented a reduction of 54.3% in 2012 and 26.4% in 2013 as a result of water deficit (DEF) of 76 and 26 mm, respectively. Mean stomatal conductance was reduced by 73% in the grain-filling stage as a result of the lower water availability during this period. Average cowpea productivity under water deficit reached 1,257 kg ha-1 in 2012 and 1,396 kg ha-1 in 2013. The reduction in water supply over the reproductive period significantly decreased production by 72 and 41% (F test, p < 0.05) in 2012 and 2013, respectively. An accumulated water deficit during the reproductive phase caused a maximum LAI reduction of 47% in 2012 (DEF of 76 mm) and of 13% in 2013 (DEF of 26 mm).

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficiência agroeconômica do consórcio de cenoura com caupi-hortaliça sob diferentes arranjos espaciais e densidades populacionais nas condições semiáridas do Nordeste brasileiro. O estudo foi realizado na Fazenda Experimental “Rafael Fernandes” da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA) no período de julho 2013 a fevereiro de 2014. O delineamento experimental adotado foi de blocos completos casualizados com quatro repetições, com os tratamentos arranjados em um esquema fatorial 3 x 4, sendo o primeiro fator constituído pelos arranjos espaciais (2:2; 3:3 e 4:4) e o segundo fator pelas densidades populacionais do caupi-hortaliça (100%, 80%, 60% e 40% da população recomendada no cultivo solteiro - PRCS). Todos os tratamentos foram fertilizados com flor-de-seda (Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br.), que é uma espécie espontânea do bioma Caatinga. Os índices de eficiência agronômica dos sistemas consorciados avaliados foram: índice de uso eficiente da terra, índice de eficiência produtiva e escore da variável canônica. Foram também avaliados os seguintes indicadores econômicos: renda bruta, renda líquida, taxa de retorno e índice de lucratividade. A eficiência agroeconômica do sistema consorciado de cenoura com caupi-hortaliça foi influenciada pelos arranjos espaciais, com o arranjo 2:2 sobressaindo-se dos demais. A maior eficiência agroeconômica do consórcio de cenoura com caupi-vegetal foi obtida na densidade populacional de 100% da PRCS quando o valor do índice de eficiência produtiva foi de 0,75. | ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the agro-economic efficiency of the intercropping of carrot with cowpea-vegetable under different spatial arrangements and population densities in the semi-arid conditions of the Brazilian Northeast. The study was conducted at the "Rafael Fernandes" Experimental Farm of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA) during the period July 2013 to February 2014. The experimental design was of randomized complete blocks with four replications and treatments arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme, where the first factor consisted of spatial arrangements (2:2; 3:3 and 4:4) and the second factor by population densities of cowpea-vegetables (100, 80, 60 and 40% of the recommended population in sole crop [RPSC]). All treatments were fertilized with roostertree (Calotropis procera [Ait.] R.Br.), which is a spontaneous species of the Caatinga biome. The indices of agronomic efficiency of the intercropping systems assessed were: land equivalent ratio, productive efficiency index and score of the canonical variable. The following economic indicators were also evaluated: gross income, net income, rate of return and profit margin. The agro-economic efficiency of the intercropping system of carrot with cowpea- vegetable was influenced by the spatial arrangements, with the 2:2 arrangements standing out from the others. The greatest agro-economic efficiency of the intercropping of carrot with cowpea-vegetable was obtained in the population density of 100% of the RPSC when the value of the productive efficiency index was 0.75.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the agro-economic efficiency of the intercropping of carrot with cowpea-vegetable under different spatial arrangements and population densities in the semi-arid conditions of the Brazilian Northeast. The study was conducted at the "Rafael Fernandes" Experimental Farm of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA) during the period July 2013 to February 2014. The experimental design was of randomized complete blocks with four replications and treatments arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme, where the first factor consisted of spatial arrangements (2:2; 3:3 and 4:4) and the second factor by population densities of cowpea-vegetables (100, 80, 60 and 40% of the recommended population in sole crop RPSC). All treatments were fertilized with roostertree (Calotropis procera Ait. R.Br.), which is a spontaneous species of the Caatinga biome. The indices of agronomic efficiency of the intercropping systems assessed were: land equivalent ratio, productive efficiency index and score of the canonical variable. The following economic indicators were also evaluated: gross income, net income, rate of return and profit margin. The agro-economic efficiency of the intercropping system of carrot with cowpea- vegetable was influenced by the spatial arrangements, with the 2:2 arrangements standing out from the others. The greatest agro-economic efficiency of the intercropping of carrot with cowpea-vegetable was obtained in the population density of 100% of the RPSC when the value of the productive efficiency index was 0.75.

ABSTRACT The cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], also known as cowpea, is of fundamental socioeconomic importance to the northeast of Brazil, and has become one of the main sources of protein in the diet of the rural population. However, in this region, it has become necessary to identify genotypes that are better adapted to drought. In addition, research is needed regarding the action of substances that promote tolerance to stress factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidative response of cowpea cultivars under osmotic stress conditions using potassium nitrate as an attenuator. Five osmotic potentials were tested in the substrate (0.0, −0.2, −0.4, −0.6, and −0.8 MPa), and three seed treatments (pre-soaking in distilled water, pre-soaking in potassium nitrate, and without pre-soaking) were tested in three cowpea cultivars (BRS Itaim, BRS Aracê, and BRS Potengi). The design was randomized with 45 treatments and four replications. The data were submitted to analysis of variance (P < 0.05), and in cases of significance, regression analysis was conducted to quantitate the factors. Our results indicate that an increase in proline content in cowpea plants may be seen as indicative of the intensity of water stress on germination and the initial stages of growth of the plant. The BRS Itaim cultivar best tolerates drought conditions with the application of potassium nitrate, given the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase. | RESUMO O feijão-caupi [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], também conhecido como feijão macassar, representa fundamental importância socioeconômica para o Nordeste do Brasil, constituindo-se como uma das principais fontes proteicas na alimentação da população rural. Todavia, nessa região é necessário identificar genótipos mais adaptados ao déficit hídrico, bem como conhecer a ação de substâncias promotoras de tolerância a fatores de estresse. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a resposta antioxidativa de cultivares feijão-caupi sob condições de estresse osmótico, utilizando como atenuador o nitrato de potássio. Foram testados cinco potenciais osmóticos no substrato (0,0; -0,2; -0,4; -0,6 e -0,8 MPa) e três tratamentos de sementes (pré-embebição em água destilada; pré-embebição em nitrato de potássio e sem pré-embebição) em três cultivares (BRS Itaim, BRS Aracê e BRS Potengi). Foi adotado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições e sementes por repetição. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância (P<0,05) e nos casos de significância foi realizada a análise de regressão para fator de natureza quantitativa. Os resultados indicam que um aumento no teor de prolina em feijão-caupi pode ser visto como indicativo da intensidade do estresse hídrico na germinação e nos estágios iniciais de crescimento da planta. A cultivar BRS Itaim tolera melhor as condições de seca com a aplicação de nitrato de potássio,dado o aumento da atividade de enzimas antioxidantes como superóxido dismutase, catalase e ascorbato peroxidase.

The cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., also known as cowpea, is of fundamental socioeconomic importance to the northeast of Brazil, and has become one of the main sources of protein in the diet of the rural population. However, in this region, it has become necessary to identify genotypes that are better adapted to drought. In addition, research is needed regarding the action of substances that promote tolerance to stress factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidative response of cowpea cultivars under osmotic stress conditions using potassium nitrate as an attenuator. Five osmotic potentials were tested in the substrate (0.0, −0.2, −0.4, −0.6, and −0.8 MPa), and three seed treatments (pre-soaking in distilled water, pre-soaking in potassium nitrate, and without pre-soaking) were tested in three cowpea cultivars (BRS Itaim, BRS Aracê, and BRS Potengi). The design was randomized with 45 treatments and four replications. The data were submitted to analysis of variance (P < 0.05), and in cases of significance, regression analysis was conducted to quantitate the factors. Our results indicate that an increase in proline content in cowpea plants may be seen as indicative of the intensity of water stress on germination and the initial stages of growth of the plant. The BRS Itaim cultivar best tolerates drought conditions with the application of potassium nitrate, given the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase.

ABSTRACT The goal of this work was to evaluate the physiological responses of cowpea under water stress and rehydration in conventional and no-tillage systems. We evaluated two crop systems (conventional and no tillage) and three water conditions (no stress, moderate stress and severe stress). The following were determined: leaf area, total dry matter, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, internal CO2 concentration and leaf water potential. Water stress affected all variables evaluated, with the exception of leaf water potential. Cowpea recovered with respect to all variables after rehydration at both stress levels. Stomatal closure is an important drought tolerance mechanism, and cowpea can be considered a conservative species (i.e., one that prioritizes water status maintenance rather than photosynthetic rate). Planting systems did not affect photosynthetic rate. The tillage system promoted greater accumulation of biomass and higher leaf area. | RESUMO O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as respostas fisiológicas em feijão-caupi sob efeito de estresse hídrico e reidratação nos sistemas de plantio direto (PD) e convencional (PC). Foram avaliados dois sistemas de plantio (direto e convencional) e três condições hídricas (sem estresse, estresse moderado e estresse severo). Foram determinados: área foliar, matéria seca total, fotossíntese, condutância estomática, transpiração, concentração interna de CO2 e potencial hídrico foliar. O estresse hídrico afetou todas as variáveis avaliadas, com exceção do potencial hídrico foliar. Houve recuperação de todas as variáveis após reidratação em ambos níveis de estresse. O fechamento estomático é um importante mecanismo de tolerância à seca, sendo que o feijão-caupi pode ser considerado uma espécie conservadora, i.e. que prioriza a manutenção do status hídrico em detrimento da produção fotossintética. Os sistemas de plantio não afetaram as taxas fotossintéticas. O sistema de plantio direto promove maior acúmulo de biomassa e maior área foliar.

The goal of this work was to evaluate the physiological responses of cowpea under water stress and rehydration in conventional and no-tillage systems. We evaluated two crop systems (conventional and no tillage) and three water conditions (no stress, moderate stress and severe stress). The following were determined: leaf area, total dry matter, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, internal CO2 concentration and leaf water potential. Water stress affected all variables evaluated, with the exception of leaf water potential. Cowpea recovered with respect to all variables after rehydration at both stress levels. Stomatal closure is an important drought tolerance mechanism, and cowpea can be considered a conservative species (i.e., one that prioritizes water status maintenance rather than photosynthetic rate). Planting systems did not affect photosynthetic rate. The tillage system promoted greater accumulation of biomass and higher leaf area.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance of elite-strains of cowpea cultivars under the conditions of the north of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. Fifteen elite-strains and five erect and semi-erect cultivars of cowpea were evaluated in the 2014 and 2015 summer-fall crop seasons in Janaúba MG. A randomized block experimental design was used with four replications. Plant size, lodging and value of cultivation, pod length and grain yield were evaluated. The data of the two crops were subjected to individual and joint analysis of variance. The genotype-crop interactions significantly affected all studied variables. The strains MNC04-792F-146 and MNC04-792F-144 stood out as the most productive genotypes in both crops. The cultivars BRS Itaim and BRS Novaera presented adequate size and lodging characteristics for cultivation, and values of cultivation that meet commercial standards, thus representing good alternatives for the genotypes cultivated in the north of Minas Gerais. | RESUMO Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a performance agronômica de linhagens-elite e cultivares de feijão-caupi, nas condições de cultivo do Norte de Minas Gerais. Foram avaliadas 15 linhagens-elite e cinco cultivares de feijão-caupi de portes ereto e semiereto, nas safras de verão-outono de 2014 e 2015, em Janaúba, MG. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados o porte da planta, o grau de acamamento e o valor de cultivo, o comprimento da vagem e o rendimento de grãos. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos a análises de variância individuais e conjunta, envolvendo as duas safras de cultivo. Verificou-se efeito significativo para a interação entre genótipos e safras para todas as variáveis estudadas. As linhagens MNC04-792F-146 e MNC04-792F-144 destacaram-se por estarem entre os genótipos mais produtivos nas duas safras avaliadas. As cultivares BRS Itaim e BRS Novaera apresentaram simultaneamente características de porte e acamamento adequadas para o cultivo, além de obterem valor de cultivo compatível com o padrão comercial, representando boas alternativas de cultivo no Norte de Minas Gerais.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance of elite-strains of cowpea cultivars under the conditions of the north of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. Fifteen elite-strains and five erect and semi-erect cultivars of cowpea were evaluated in the 2014 and 2015 summer-fall crop seasons in Janaúba MG. A randomized block experimental design was used with four replications. Plant size, lodging and value of cultivation, pod length and grain yield were evaluated. The data of the two crops were subjected to individual and joint analysis of variance. The genotype-crop interactions significantly affected all studied variables. The strains MNC04-792F-146 and MNC04-792F-144 stood out as the most productive genotypes in both crops. The cultivars BRS Itaim and BRS Novaera presented adequate size and lodging characteristics for cultivation, and values of cultivation that meet commercial standards, thus representing good alternatives for the genotypes cultivated in the north of Minas Gerais.

ABSTRACT Cowpea is broadly cultivated worldwide, especially in semi-arid or arid regions where soil or irrigation water salt contents can negatively influence the species’ productive capacity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphophysiological responses of cowpea genotypes to irrigation water salinity. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, under a completely randomized design with nine replications and in a 5x3 factorial scheme. Treatments consisted of five levels of irrigation water electrical conductivity - EC (EC0: 0.55; EC1: 1.60; EC2: 3.20; EC3: 4.80 and EC4: 6.40 dS m-1), applied from the 15th day after sowing (DAS), and three cowpea genotypes (G1: BRS Imponente; G2: MNC04-795F-168 and G3: MNC04-795F-159). EC increases at 35 DAS promoted stem diameter reductions of 8.0% (G1), 11.4% (G2), and 7.7% (G3), indicating different resistance to salinity by each genotype. Leaf area reductions at 25 and 38 DAS were 30.9% and 38.8% for EC0 and EC4, respectively. The BRS Imponente cultivar presented a performance superior to those of G2 and G3 in relation to stem diameter and stem dry matter at 25 DAS, and root-shoot and root-leaf ratios at 38 DAS. | RESUMO O feijão-caupi é bastante cultivado no mundo, principalmente em regiões semiáridas ou áridas onde o teor de sais presentes no solo ou na água de irrigação pode influenciar negativamente na capacidade produtiva da espécie. Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho, avaliar as respostas morfofisiológicas de genótipos de feijão-caupi à salinidade da água de irrigação. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação no delineamento inteiramente casualizado com nove repetições, em esquema fatorial 5x3, sendo cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CE (CE0: 0,55; CE1: 1,60; CE2: 3,20; CE3: 4,80 e CE4: 6,40 dS m-1) aplicados a partir do 15º dia após a semeadura (DAS) e três genótipos de feijão-caupi (G1: BRS Imponente; G2: MNC04-795F-168 e G3: MNC04-795F-159). Aumentos nas CE aos 35 DAS, promoveram reduções no diâmetro do caule de 8,0% (G1), 11,4% (G2) e 7,7% (G3) indicando resistências diferenciadas dos genótipos aos efeitos da salinidade. Entre CE0 e CE4 as reduções na área foliar aos 25 e 38 DAS foram de 30,9% e 38,8%, respectivamente. Os efeitos negativos da salinidade foram mais intensos nas matérias secas da raiz e da haste, aos 20 DAS e na matéria seca das folhas, aos 30 DAS. A cultivar BRS Imponente apresenta desempenho superior a G2 e G3 em relação ao diâmetro do caule e matéria seca da haste, aos 25 DAS, e razão parte aérea raiz e folha raiz, aos 38 DAS.

Cowpea is broadly cultivated worldwide, especially in semi-arid or arid regions where soil or irrigation water salt contents can negatively influence the species’ productive capacity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphophysiological responses of cowpea genotypes to irrigation water salinity. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, under a completely randomized design with nine replications and in a 5x3 factorial scheme. Treatments consisted of five levels of irrigation water electrical conductivity - EC (EC0: 0.55; EC1: 1.60; EC2: 3.20; EC3: 4.80 and EC4: 6.40 dS m-1), applied from the 15th day after sowing (DAS), and three cowpea genotypes (G1: BRS Imponente; G2: MNC04-795F-168 and G3: MNC04-795F-159). EC increases at 35 DAS promoted stem diameter reductions of 8.0% (G1), 11.4% (G2), and 7.7% (G3), indicating different resistance to salinity by each genotype. Leaf area reductions at 25 and 38 DAS were 30.9% and 38.8% for EC0 and EC4, respectively. The BRS Imponente cultivar presented a performance superior to those of G2 and G3 in relation to stem diameter and stem dry matter at 25 DAS, and root-shoot and root-leaf ratios at 38 DAS.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to assess the agronomic performance of cowpea cultivars depending on sowing seasons in the Cerrado biome. Thus, an experiment was conducted in Uberaba, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in a complete randomized block design, in a 6x3 factorial arrangement, using six cowpea cultivars (BRS-Itaim, BRS-Guariba, BRS-Potengi, BRS-Cauamé, BRS-Novaera and BRS-Tumucumaque) and three sowing seasons (Dec 14, 2012; Jan 14, 2013; and Feb 14, 2013), with four replications. The interaction between the cultivars and sowing seasons was assessed regarding the number of days for full flowering, number of days for pod maturation, number of trifoliate leaves, height of the first pod -bearing node, pod length, number of pods per plant, final plant population, 100-grain weight and grain yield. The cowpea cultivars sown in December produced the lowest numbers of pods per plant and grains per pod, resulting in the lowest grain yields. The cultivar BRS-Tumucumaque had the highest grain yield in the January sowing. The highest grain yields were found in the February sowing, especially when the cultivars BRS-Itaim (3,439 kg ha-1), BRS-Novaera (3,435 kg ha-1), BRS-Guariba (3,168 kg ha-1) and BRS-Potengi (3,107 kg ha-1) was used. | RESUMO O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho agronômico de cultivares de feijão-caupi em função de épocas de semeadura no cerrado de Uberaba, MG. O experimento foi conduzido em Uberaba -MG, no delineamento de blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial 6 x 3, correspondendo a seis cultivares de feijão-caupi (BRS Itaim, BRS Guariba, BRS Potengi, BRS Cauamé, BRS Novaera e BRS Tumucumaque) e três épocas de semeadura (14/dez/2012 - E1, 14/jan/2013 - E2 e 14/fev/2013 - E3), com quatro repetições. Verificou-se interação cultivares x épocas de semeadura para o número de dias para o florescimento pleno, dias para a maturação das vagens, número de trifólios, altura de inserção da primeira vagem, comprimento de vagens, número de vagem por planta, população final de plantas, massa de 100 grãos e produtividade de grãos. Quando semeadas em dezembro, as cultivares de feijão- caupi produziram menor número de vagens por planta e de grãos por vagem, resultando em inferior produtividade de grãos. A cultivar BRS Tumucumaque apresentou maior produtividade de grãos quando semeada em janeiro. Produtividades de grãos superiores são obtidas na semeadura de fevereiro, sobressaindo-se as cultivares BRS Itaim, BRS Novaera, BRS Guariba e BRS Potengi, com 3.439, 3.435, 3.168 e 3.107 kg ha-1, respectivamente.

The objective of this work was to assess the agronomic performance of cowpea cultivars depending on sowing seasons in the Cerrado biome. Thus, an experiment was conducted in Uberaba, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in a complete randomized block design, in a 6x3 factorial arrangement, using six cowpea cultivars ( BRS - Itaim , BRS - Guariba , BRS - Potengi, BRS - Cauamé , BRS - Novaera and BRS - Tumucumaque ) and three sowing seasons (Dec 14, 2012; Jan 14, 2013; and Feb 14, 2013), with four replications. The interaction between the cultivars and sowing seasons was assessed regarding the number of days for full flowering, number of days for pod maturation, number of trifoliate leaves, height of the first pod - bearing node, pod length, number of pods per plant, final plant population, 100 - grain weight and grain yield. The cowpea cultivars sown in December produced the lowest numbers of pods per plant and grains per pod, resulting in the lowest grain yields. The cultivar BRS - Tumucumaque had the highest grain yield in the January sowing. The highest grain yields were found in the February sowing, especially when the cultivars BRS - Itaim (3,439 kg ha - 1 ), BRS - Novaera (3,435 kg ha - 1 ), BRS - Guariba (3,168 kg ha - 1 ) and BRS - Potengi (3,107 kg ha - 1 ) was used.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate combinations of cowpea-vegetable cultivars with carrot cultivars in a strip-intercropping system fertilized with roostertree. The work was conducted at the Experimental Farm "Rafael Fernandes" of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA) during September 2013 to March 2014. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications and treatments arranged in a factorial 4 x 2 scheme, resulting from the combination of four cowpea -vegetable cultivars (BRS Tumucumaque, BRS Cauamé, BRS Guariba and BRS Itaim) with two carrot cultivars (Brasilia and Alvorada). The characteristics evaluated in cowpea-vegetables were: number of green pods per area, productivity and dry weight of green pods, number of grains per pod, productivity of grains, weight of 100 grains, and dry weight of green grains. In the carrot cultivars, we evaluated total, commercial, and classified productivity of roots. The cultivar combinations were evaluated in terms of land equivalent ratio, productive efficiency index, score of the canonical variable, as well as indicators of gross and net income, rate of return, profit margin, and modified monetary advantage. The intercropping system using the cultivars BRS Guariba (cowpea) and Alvorada (carrot) achieved highest agronomic/biological efficiency. Highest economic efficiency was achieved with the combination BRS Tumucumaque (cowpea) and Brasilia (carrot). | RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar combinações de cultivares de caupi-horaliça com cultivares de cenoura em sistema consorciado em faixas adubadas com flor-de-seda. O trabalho foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental “Rafael Fernandes” da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), durante o período de setembro de 2013 a março de 2014. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos completos casualizados com 4 repetições e os tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, resultante da combinação de quatro cultivares de caupi (BRS Tumucumaque, BRS Cauamé, BRS Guariba e BRS Itaim) com duas cultivares de cenoura (Brasília e Alvorada). As características avaliadas no caupi-hortaliça foram: número de vagens verdes por área, produtividade e peso seco de vagens verdes, número de grãos por vagem, produtividade de grãos, peso de 100 grãos e peso seco de grãos verdes. Nas cultivares de cenoura foram avaliadas: as produtividades total, comercial e classificada de raízes. As combinações de cultivares foram avaliadas pelo índice de uso eficiente da terra, índice de eficiência produtiva, escore da variável canônica e pelos indicadores rendas bruta e líquida, taxa de retorno, índice de lucratividade e vantagem monetária corrigida. O sistema de consórcio utilizando as cultivares de caupi BRS Guariba e a de cenoura Alvorada obteve maior eficiência agronômica/biológica. A maior eficiência econômica foi obtida com a combinação de caupi BRS Tumucumaque e cenoura Brasília.

This study aimed to evaluate combinations of cowpea-vegetable cultivars with carrot cultivars in a strip-intercropping system fertilized with roostertree. The work was conducted at the Experimental Farm "Rafael Fernandes" of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA) during September 2013 to March 2014. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications and treatments arranged in a factorial 4 x 2 scheme, resulting from the combination of four cowpea -vegetable cultivars (BRS Tumucumaque, BRS Cauamé, BRS Guariba and BRS Itaim) with two carrot cultivars (Brasilia and Alvorada). The characteristics evaluated in cowpea-vegetables were: number of green pods per area, productivity and dry weight of green pods, number of grains per pod, productivity of grains, weight of 100 grains, and dry weight of green grains. In the carrot cultivars, we evaluated total, commercial, and classified productivity of roots. The cultivar combinations were evaluated in terms of land equivalent ratio, productive efficiency index, score of the canonical variable, as well as indicators of gross and net income, rate of return, profit margin, and modified monetary advantage. The intercropping system using the cultivars BRS Guariba (cowpea) and Alvorada (carrot) achieved highest agronomic/biological efficiency. Highest economic efficiency was achieved with the combination BRS Tumucumaque (cowpea) and Brasilia (carrot).