Effect of seed storage duration and temperature on germination and vigor of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Fabaceae)]

Cowpea is a traditional crop in Africa grown primarily for its seeds. It plays a very important role in food and is an essential asset for contributing to sustainable food and nutritional security in Côte d’Ivoire. Despite its importance, its yield is negatively impacted by the deterioration of seed quality during storage. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the temperature and storage duration for good germination and vigour of cowpea seeds. The seeds were stored in a freezer at -20°C, in a greenhouse between 29 and 30°C, and at room temperature between 25 and 35°C, for 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days before planting. Among the three storage temperatures compared in this study, freezer storage at -20°C recorded the best germination rate at 30, 60 and 90 days. Room temperature storage recorded the second-best germination rate for all three durations. However, the germination rate decreases over time regardless of storage temperature. Regarding vigor, seeds stored at room temperature gave the most vigorous plants after 30 and 60 days. These results could contribute to setting up an optimal conservation mode to ensure good germination and vigorous plants.