Morphoagronomic evaluation of cowpea cultivars in Iturama, Minas Gerais

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is a legume of great economic and nutritional importance, widely cultivated in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance and grain quality of 12 cultivars in Iturama, Minas Gerais, with the objective of identifying those best adapted to local conditions. The experiment was conducted at the “Alípio Soares Barbosa” School Farm, using a randomized block design with four replications. The cultivars were sown with 0.50 m spacing between rows, with fertilization according to soil analysis. The following parameters were evaluated: final stand, number of grains per pod, 100-grain weight, pod weight, and grain yield. The results indicated significant differences among the cultivars. BRS Paraguaçu showed the highest yield (2.224,22 kg ha⁻¹), while BRS Tumucumaque stood out for its greater 100-grain weight. Some cultivars showed a shorter phenological cycle, favoring early harvest. Adaptation to the climate and soil of Iturama varied among cultivars, directly influencing productive performance. It is concluded that cultivar choice significantly affects both grain yield and quality, which is essential for the economic viability of cultivation in the region. The study provides support for recommending more productive and locally adapted cultivars, contributing to the development of cowpea cultivation and to farmers' food security.