Critical components and loss factors in inoculated and non-inoculated cowpea varieties grown in the Brazilian Amazon

The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) is of social and economic importance in developing countries. There are several factors that lead to low yields tropical regions, such as pests technological development. This study aimed identify quantify losses the critical component production, key loss for three varieties (buttermilk, milk, vinegar) grown Santarém, Brazil, inoculated or not with Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Crop life tables, factors, production components were evaluated. Differences yield total observed between varieties, but treatments without inoculant. In all flowers a flower abortion was factor behind losses. Grain contributed significantly most grain malformation grains non-fertilisation eggs. Inoculation increased through buttermilk milk varieties. also damage caused plants by weevils, Callosobruchus maculatus, variety. studied.