Morphological responses of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc ) to photoperiodic lengths in a derived savannah location, Nigeria

Abstract

Effects of six photoperiods (8, 12, 14, 16 hours and natural photoperiod) on growth and flower induction in six accessions of bambara groundnut (Tvsu. 1023, 745, 764, 11,9 and Yaudu local) were studied during the dry season in 1992–93. In the experiment the design used was a randomized complete block with three replications. Results showed that plants under the natural condition with a photoperiod of 11.5 hours had the smallest number of leaves per plant followed by 10 hours and 16 hours photoperiod. At 70 days after planting Tvsu 745 produced the highest no of leaves with Tvsu 9 producing the least number of leaves. Tvsu 745, Tvsu 764, Tvsu 1023 and Yaudu local exhibited a quantitative short day response to the number of days to flower, bud emergence and to anthesis. Tvsu II exhibited a qualitative short day response to flowering.

Keywords: photoperiod, Bambara groundnut, flowering, derived savannah

International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 6 2005: 159-167