Abstract
Purpose
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a significant protein source in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. However, its cultivation in the Brazilian semi-arid region is primarily associated with irregular rainwater. Thus, the objective of this study was to carry out a physiological and biochemical characterization of traditional genotypes of cowpea under drought.
Methods
The analyse encompassed physiological and biochemical variables that affect the growth and development of cowpea under water restriction conditions. Three genotypes of cowpea, **o de Ouro 1–2, Sempre Verde, and Feijão de Moita, were evaluated. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a completely randomized design, with a 3 × 3 factorial scheme (3 genotypes and 3 soil water conditions) and 5 replications.
Results
Morphological analysis revealed that shoot height, number of leaves, and leaf area were particularly sensitive indicators. Organic solute accumulation, particularly in the **o de Ouro 1–2 and Feijão de Moita genotypes, emerged as a distinct trait in response to severe water stress. Additionally, enzymatic activity associated with redox metabolism highlighted variations in the Feijão de Moita and **o de Ouro 1–2 genotypes, indicating their adaptive responses to oxidative stress induced by drought conditions.
Conclusions
The genotypes **o de Ouro 1–2 and Feijão de Moita showed high water use efficiency, accumulation of organic solutes, and antioxidant enzymatic responses under water stress, indicating the potential for breeding toward drought tolerance in arid regions.
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Aknowledgements
The authors thank to the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) for the scholarships granted to students.
Funding
This study was funded by the National Council for Scientifc and Technological Development (CNPq) and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES).
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The work was performed in collaboration among all the authors. J.S.S., R.S.C., B.A.S., and R.O.M. designed the experiment, determined the methods, and wrote the manuscript. T.I.S., M.M.O., and L.S.L. wrote the manuscript. T.I.S., and R.O.M. was responsible for review and editing the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.
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de Souza Silva, J., da Costa, R.S., da Silva, B.A. et al. Physiological and Biochemical Aspects Involved in Tolerance to Water Deficit in Traditional Cowpea. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr 24, 1519–1533 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-024-01657-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-024-01657-5