Performance of varieties of Vigna unguiculata and Glycine max on the production of forages and grains

The objective of this study was to determine the agronomical performance of varieties of Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) and Glycine max (soybean) in the production of forages, integral forages and grains in July sowings. The varieties of cowpea INIFAT 93 and Tropico 782, of grouped maturity, and Habana 82 and White cowpea, of non-grouped maturity, were studied. In soybean, Incasoy 27, Incasoy 24, Cubasoy 23 and Duocrop, of determined growth, were studied. The experiment was performed between July and October on typical red ferrallic soil. A split plot design was used with four replications. There was interaction for all the agronomic indicators evaluated, which allowed to compare the species for the different productive alternatives. In forage production, the variety Habana 82 was relevant for attaining the highest (P < 0,001) yield (5.07 t DM/ha and 0.76 t CP/ha). This variety had similar performance in integral forages with values higher than 7 t DM/ha and 1.30 t CP/ha. In cowpea grains, Tropico 782 reached the highest (P < 0.05) production, with a yield of 1.76 t/ha, not differing from Habana 82 and INIFAT 93 and the soybean varieties Cubasoy 23 and Incasoy 27. The results showed that cowpea and soybean are a correct alternative for Cuban conditions. The agronomical superiority of the cowpea varieties of grouped maturity Tropico 782 and INIFAT 93 were outstanding together with the soybean varieties Cubasoy 23 and Incasoy 27 in grain production. The bromatological. characterization of the grains and forages is recommended for their use in animal feeding.