Cowpea yield and quality after application of desiccating herbicides

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pre-harvest desiccant herbicides on the yield and the physiological and technological quality of cowpea seeds after harvest and after storage. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications. A split-plot design (6 × 2) was composed of the desiccant herbicides flumioxazin (30 g ai.ha-1), glufosinate ammonium (500 g ai.ha-1), paraquat (400 g ai.ha-1), saflufenacil (70 g ai.ha-1), and carfentrazone (24 g ai.ha-1) and an untreated control, as well as two seed evaluation periods, at harvest and six months after h arvest. Desiccants were applied at the R5 stage. The desiccants affected the yield, classification, color, and physiological quality of seeds of ‘BRS Guariba’. The glufosinate ammonium and paraquat herbicides compromised seed physiological quality. Flumioxazin did not affect seed yield components, color, and physiological quality. Storage at 20 °C for six months affected seed physiological quality.