Cowpea development under different temperatures and carbon dioxide concentrations

ABSTRACT The increase of CO2 concentrations and temperatures may affect the plant development and production. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the increased temperature and carbon dioxide concentration on the development of cowpea cultivars. The experiment was conducted in growth chambers, with control of CO2 and temperature. A completely randomized design was carried out, in a 4 x 3 x 2 factorial arrangement [cultivar x temperature (day/night) x CO2], with three replicates. The duration of the cowpea vegetative and reproductive phases was evaluated and, at the end of the experiment, the number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, seed weight, shoot fresh and dry matter weight were quantified. Temperature affects the development of cowpea cultivars, and the temperatures of 29 ºC (day)/23 ºC (night) lead to a higher seed weight. The increase of CO2 leads to a higher number of pods and seeds and seed weight. The BRS Tapaihum cultivar presented the highest number of pods and seeds and seed weight. In addition, the temperatures of 32 ºC (day)/29 ºC (night) lead to a greater flower abortion in the BRS Pujante and BRS Tapaihum cultivars.