Abstract

The importance of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) to the Northeast region of Brazil is undeniable, it is a major crop in local family agriculture. As a result, the research aimed to evaluate the physiological and sanitary quality of local varieties of cowpea coming from the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The experiment was carried out at the Seed Pathology and Seed Analysis Laboratory, in Federal University of Paraíba, Campus II, Areia, Paraiba, Brazil. Six cowpea varieties (Baeta, Coruja, Sempre Verde, Epace 10, Feijão da Bahia and Pingo de Ouro) from rural Area of the municipality of Apodi, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.were evaluated  Seed physiological quality was evaluated by determining the first germination count (FGC), germination percentage (G%), seedling length (SL) and electrical conductivity (EC). The sanitary quality of the seeds was evaluated by the method of incubation in filter paper (blotter test). The experimental design was completely randomized, with 4 replicates. The Pingo de Ouro, Sempre Verde and Coruja varieties had germination percentages greater than the minimum standards required for commercialization, while the lower germination percentage and vigor of the Feijão da Bahia, Epace 10 and Baeta varieties may be associated with the presence of Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp.

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