Seedling characteristics and retention of current photosynthates in leaves in relation to initial growth in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) and cowpea (Vigna sinensis Endl.)

Improved varieties of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) still retain some growth characteristics of perennial types of wild species such as slow seedling growth and rato on ability which are considered to be major yield-restricting characteristics when the growth period is shortened. Studies on the physiological background of slow initial growth may help improve the potential productivity of short-duration pigeonpea. It was found that the low seedling vigor of pigeonpea could be ascribed to the small seed size (Narayanan et al. 1981; Brakke and Gardner 1987), low rate of photosynthetic CO2 fixation (Rawson and Constable 1981), and low rates of metabolic processes (Huber and Hanson 1992; Ito et al. 1996). However, few authors have related the slow growth to the retention of current photosynthates and leaf respiration during the night. In contrast, seedling growth of cowpea (Vigna sinensis Endl.) was reported to be vigorous (Brakke and Gardner 1987). The objectives of this study were to characterize the initial growth of pigeonpea in comparison with cowpea. Two experiments were carried out, one dealing with growth analysis and the other with O2 uptake of leaf and retention of current photosynthates during the night. © 1998, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.