Weed flora in cowpea cultivation

In Senegal, cowpea(Vigna unguiculata) Walp. production faces numerous constraints, including the negative effects of weeds. It is therefore necessary to find solutions to these constraints, particularly weediness, in order to improve agricultural production. Proposing effective weed management methods presupposes a good knowledge of the flora, dynamics and harmfulness of the species. The general objective of this study is to contribute to a better knowledge and management of weed flora to improve agricultural production in Senegal, and more particularly in the northern zone of the groundnut basin. More specifically, the aim is to characterize cowpea weed flora through a study of the flora and vegetation; to study the dynamics of weed emergence and to assess weed competition with cowpea crops. To do this, inventories were carried out in cowpea plots, using the 'tour de champ' method for studying flora and vegetation.