Evaluating Effect of Plant Botanicals on Growth of Cowpea Varieties (vigna Uguiculata L. Walp) in Sudan Savanna

ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the effects of five plant derived botanicals; Ricinus communis, Euphorbia
heterophylla, Senna occidentalis, Commelina benghalensis, and Calotropis procera on the growth
of three cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) varieties: Aloka Local, Sampea 9, and IT08K-150-
12. The experiment was conducted under screenhouse conditions at Bayero University, Kano,
using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with combined botanical and varietal treatments.
Data were collected at 3, 6, and 9 weeks after sowing (WAS) on plant stand, number of leaves,
number of branches, chlorophyll content, fresh and dry biomass, and yield traits. Results showed
that Ricinus communis and Commelina benghalensis slightly enhanced early growth traits such as
germination rate (88.9%) and leaf production by Week 9 (19.67–20.08 leaves), though the
differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Early chlorophyll content was significantly
influenced by botanicals (p = 0.032), particularly under Ricinus and Commelina treatments.
Varietal differences were evident, with Sampea 9 and Aloka Local performing better than IT08K￾150-12 in germination, stand establishment, and leaf production. However, most biomass and yield
parameters showed no significant response to either botanical treatments or variety interactions.
The study concludes that while certain botanicals can stimulate early vegetative growth, their
effects appear limited over time under controlled conditions. The findings support the potential of
botanicals, especially Ricinus and Commelina, as eco-friendly inputs in cowpea production.
Further research through extended field trials and improved application methods is recommended
to validate their effectiveness under real world farming conditions.