RESPONSE OF COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L), CULTIVAR ARAUCA, TO PLANTING DENSITY

Seed yield in Vigna unguiculata (L.). Cultivar Arauca was investigated over five planting densities ranging from 22,784 to 273,403 plants per hectare. Maximum seed yield (1466 kg/ha~l) was attained at a relatively low density of 45,567 plants ha--*- (spacing 24.0 cms by 91.4 cms.). At higher densities reduced numbers of pods per plant resulted in severe seed yield reduction but not as critical as the lower density. Little change in seed size or seeds per pod occurred