Miaoya  Weng^1,2 , Hongfang  Lan ^1,2

1 Lishui Lianfengxiang Green Agriculture Technology Co., Ltd, ishui, 232000, Zhejiang, Chiaa
2 Zhejiang Agronomist College, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2026, Vol. 17, No. 2   
Received: 05 Mar., 2026    Accepted: 08 Apr., 2026    Published: 29 Apr., 2026

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

To elucidate the effects of different trellising methods on the growth, development, and yield formation of cowpea, this study utilized a major cultivated cowpea variety as experimental material. Three treatments-upright trellising, A-frame trellising, and non-trellised cultivation-were established to conduct a systematic comparative analysis of plant growth characteristics, flowering and pod-setting performance, and yield components. The results indicated that different trellising methods significantly influenced cowpea plant height, number of branches, and leaf area index. Among the treatments, the A-frame method performed best in terms of improving ventilation and light penetration conditions, thereby facilitating enhanced plant photosynthetic capacity and promoting growth and development. Furthermore, appropriate trellising significantly increased the pod-setting rate and reduced flower and pod abscission, consequently increasing the number of pods per plant and individual pod weight. Regarding yield performance, both the A-frame and upright trellising treatments resulted in significantly higher yields than the non-trellised cultivation, with the A-frame method demonstrating the most pronounced yield-increasing effect. Additionally, trellising methods exerted a significant impact on field management efficiency and economic benefits; appropriate trellising not only helped reduce the incidence of pests and diseases but also enhanced overall economic returns. In conclusion, the scientific selection of trellising methods constitutes a crucial measure for improving cowpea yield and production efficiency; this study provides both theoretical foundations and practical references for the efficient cultivation of cowpea.

Cowpea; Trellising method; Growth characteristics; Yield components; Economic benefits