Salinity and Water Deficit in Plant Growth: An approach to cowpea cultivation

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a crop of great economic and social importance, notably in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Cowpeas are legumes widely cultivated in the semi-arid regions of Africa, the United States, and Brazil. In the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, the crop has enormous potential due to its tradition of cultivation, trade, and consumption. In the agricultural sector, problems related to excess salts in the soil and water, as well as water scarcity in the production region, are becoming increasingly frequent. This study is an important source of information for understanding the effects of both salinity and water stress on plant development, focusing more specifically on the cowpea crop.