HEAT INJURY DURING FLORAL DEVELOPMENT IN COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA, FABACEAE)

High night temperatures during floral development induce male sterility in cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.). The objectives of this study were to determine: the possible causes of the male sterility; the stage of floral development when damage due to heat stress occurs; and whether specific tissues are damaged during the period of sensitivity to heat. Plants were grown under controlled temperatures in both greenhouses and growth chambers...