Physiological changes during natural ageing for seed vigour assessment of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] Genotypes

Fifteen cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes namely DC-15, IPCW-20-210, IPCW-207, IPCW-21-247, IPCW-20-214, IPCW-21-51, KBC-9, IPCW-20-217, IPCW-20-123, IPCW-21-410, IPCW-7-3, RC-101, IPCW-3-20 and DCS-47-1 were classified as good, medium, and poor storers based on the physiological changes in the seeds over a six months of storage. The findings demonstrated a discernible decrease in seed quality indicators over the course of the storage period, with freshly collected seeds showing greater germination and vigour. In comparison to poor storer genotypes (IPCW-3-20, IPCW-3-15, and DCS-47-1), the good storer genotypes (DC-15, IPCW-20-210, IPCW-207, KBC-9, IPCW-21-247, IPCW-20-214, IPCW-21-51, and IPCW-20-217) maintained higher germination, seedling vigour indices, and lower electrical conductivity of seed leachate after six months of storage. Furthermore, a decrease in seed vigour and viability was linked to an increase in seed moisture content and electrical conductivity as a result of metabolic reserve depletion.