Effect of stage and intensity of defoliation on the growth of cowpea

Abstract

Dairy and beef producers have shown increasing interest in the use of cowpeas for grazing, for hay, as a component of silage mixtures, and as a pioneer legume in land development systems (Fox 1960; Onley 1961; Graham
1963; Henderson 1963). As little experimental evidence is available to suggest the best system of 1:1tilization by the grazing animal, some preliminary studies were carried out at "Brian Pastures" Pasture Research Station, near Gayndah, to examine the effect of1 stage and intensity of defoliation on the growth of the variety Havana (Vigna sinensis (L.) Endl. ex Hassk. cv. Havana). In pot trials, yields from 2 cuts of cowpeas cv. Havana were highest when the 1st cut was made at or after flowering. When the 1st cut was at flowering, it was best to leave 4 or 6 buds/plant for satisfactory regrowth.