Feijão nhemba, cultura de duplo propósito: frequência de colheita de folhas e a sua influência no rendimento de grão e folhas de duas variedades.

Abstract

The objective of this work was to verify the influence of leaf harvest on the total leaf and grain yield of two cowpea varieties, produced in the south of the country, at low inputs. The trial was carried out in the experimental field of FAEF in the period between December 19, 1996 and May 18, 1997. The design used was the subdivided plots with 12 replications. The varieties (Timbawene Violeta and FAEF 14) were randomized in the main plots, while the frequency of leaf harvesting (9 in 9 days, 16 in 16 days, 23 in 23 days and without leaf harvest) was randomized in the sub plots. Leaf harvesting started 40 days after sowing, harvesting the youngest 3rd and 4th leaf for each branch, respecting the pre-established frequencies. The results obtained showed differences in the variables leaf yield, leaf protein yield and total protein yield, while the variables grain yield, grain protein yield, number of plants at 40dds and number of pods did not show significant differences. From the results obtained, it can be stated that for the two varieties with higher leaf harvesting frequencies, higher fresh leaf yields were obtained and that leaf harvesting did not influence grain yield. It can also be stated that the leaf yield of the variety Timbawene Violeta was superior compared to the variety FAEF 14 and that the two varieties do not differ in grain yield. In the variety Timbawene Violeta, the total protein yield obtained when harvesting leaves and grain was higher than that obtained when harvesting only the grain, in the variety FAEF 14 no differences were found in this regard.