Effect of Chitosan Doses and Nitrogen Sources on the Growth, Yield and Seed Quality of Cowpea

An experimental trial was carried out in the two successive seasons of 2010 and 2011 to investigate the effect of Chitosan, organic (cattle manure and compost) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK) on vegetative growth and productivity of cowpea plants. Chitosan solution was sprayed three times after 30, 45 and 60 days from seed sowing at concentrations of 1, 3 and 5 % until runoff. Data showed that the best effect on plant vegetative growth (plant height, number, fresh and dry weights of leaves and shoots), yield and its component (pod length, weight and diameter and number. of seeds and seed yield) and seeds quality (total protein, total carbohydrates N, P and K) was obtained by using the highest concentration of Chitosan (5%) with the application of the inorganic fertilizer, While the lowest value was recorded by using the lowest concentration of Chitosan (1%) with the application of the organic fertilizer of the cattle manure. There is a positive relationship between increasing the applied concentration of Chitosan and the response of all plant growth and yield parameters.