Effects of Water Deficiency and Kinetin on Growth and Nitrogen Metabolism of Cowpea Plants

Cowpea plants ( Vigna sinensis Savi.) were grown in pots for two successive years. These plants were daily maintained water holding capacities (15, 25, 45, 65 %).
The foliage of plants grown at every level of soil moisture was sprayed till dripping with kinetin solutions (0, 10, 20, 40 mg/1) three times after, 3, 6 and 9 weeks from sowing. Samples were taken at the two physiological stages before flowering and during flowering for growth measurements and determination of nitrogen fractions.
Water shortage led to retardation of stem length, number of internodes, number of leaves and dry weight of shoots. Kinetin reduced stem length of cowpea shoots. On the other hand, it exhibited stimulative effect when applied at concentrations 10 and 20 mg/1 on number of internodes, and dry weight of shoots.
Water stress decreased total–N and protein–N contents of cowpea shoots. On the other hand total soluble–N content was increased under the same conditions. Kinetin increased total–N and protein–N contents of cowpea shoots. Meanwhile, the same growth regulator decreased total soluble–N when applied at 45 %, 25 % and 15 % W.H.C. levels.