Radiosensitivity and Gamma Irradiation-Induced Morpho-Agronomic Variability in Three Cowpea Genotypes (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59228/rcst.026.v5.i4.356Keywords:
gamma irradiation, morpho-agronomic phenotypic responses, plant breeding, M₁ generation, median lethal doseAbstract
This study aimed to assess radiosensitivity and morpho-agronomic responses in three cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) genotypes, Diamant, Mawete, and Tout-venant, subjected to gamma irradiation. From December 2025 to March 2026, seeds were exposed to four doses (0, 10, 20, and 30 Gy) using a cesium-137 source. The laboratory experiment involved 180 seeds in a completely randomized design. The field experiment comprised 36 experimental units in a split-plot design with three replications. The R-based analysis plan included ANOVA or appropriate models and Tukey comparisons at the 5% level. The split-plot results still require revalidation using the raw data. Genotype–dose combinations significantly affected germination (F = 3.125; p = 0.0208). Mawete maintained 100% germination, whereas Tout-venant showed its lowest value at 20 Gy. In the field, emergence, survival, and several vegetative traits were not significantly affected. Differences were observed in leaf area, flowering, pod and seed numbers, and grain yield. Diamant at 10 Gy showed the highest mean yield (1,479.38 ± 709.75 kg/ha). No LD₅₀ could be estimated. These phenotypic responses require confirmation in the M₂ and M₃ generations to establish their usefulness for breeding.
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