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Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is one of the promising legume crops, landraces of which have been traditionally grown mainly in the southern parts of Bulgaria. It has a high tolerance for dry conditions. Therefore, it is a promising crop for growing under rainfed conditions.
The objective of this study was to analyze some photosynthetic parameters in cowpea plants during dehydration and re-hydration. The studies were conducted with two landraces. Seeds were sown in pods of 5 l. Soil moisture was raised to 75-80% of soil humidity and maintained weight. In each pod were grown in four plants. Plants of each landraces were divided in 2 groups: (1) plants with water regime 75-8O% of full soil humidity and (2) plants, with water regime 35-40% of soil humidity for 10 days period. After drought soil humidity was restored to a level 75-80%. Net photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration (E) were severely decreased by water deficit. A gradual reduction in leaf water potential (Ψleaf) was observed too. In light adapted leaves a significant decrease in quantum yield (Y) and electron transport rate (ETR) of PSII was occurred.