Evaluation of Glomus Deserticola Effect on Shoot Nitrogen Content of Some Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp) Varieties under Alectra Vogelii Inoculated Soil

Using Analysis Of Variance

Abstract

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of Glomus deserticola on shoot nitrogen content of four cowpea varieties under Alectra vogelii inoculated soil. The four cowpea varieties used were: SAMPEA 7, IFE 82-12, IT97K-499-35 and TVX 3236. The sterilized sandy-loamy soil used for this experiment consisted of a mixture of top soil and sand in ratio 1:1 (v/v). Glomus deserticola was applied in five rates: the control without Alectra, control with Alectra, 10, 20 and 30 g/pot. A constant quantity of Alectra was maintained (3.3 g). The treatments were arranged in complete randomized design. The cowpea plants were sampled for shoot nitrogen content at 5 weeks after planting (WAP). The ANOVA of the two years data showed that, 30 g/pot Glomus deserticola treatment resulted in the highest shoot nitrogen content. Among the cowpea varieties, SAMPEA 7 had higher values than the other cowpea varieties. In conclusion, Glomus deserticola treatments can be recommended as a biological control agent in Alectra vogelii infested fields to enhance shoot nitrogen content of the cowpea varieties.