Floral Biology and Pollination Ecology of Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp)
Studies on the floral biology and pollination ecology of three varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) were carried out. The varieties studied were Var. Oloyin, Var. Sokoto, and Var. Drum. Cowpea is a self pollinated crop which is encouraged by the arrangements of the floral parts. However, Insects visiting cowpea flowers have been implicated in the movement of pollen from one cowpea plant to another. Flower opening of cowpea begins between 6:00am and 6:30am and closes between 11:30am and 12:00pm. Pollen analysis showed similarities in the pollen morphology of the cowpea varieties. Moreover Var. Drum produced the highest number of pollen grains per flower in terms of pollen productivity.