Seed rate play an important role in the proper stand establishment of the growing crop, which ultimately affect the productivity and quality at the end of the growing season. The effect of seed rate on three cultivars were investigated in field trial in two successive seasons (2006/07 and 2007/08) at North Kordofan of Sudan, to determined the optimum seed rate for vegetative growth characteristic of cowpea under rainfed. Buff, Haydoob and Eien Elgazal cultivars were sowing in four seed rates of 6, 12, 18 and 24 kg ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in four replications. The results revealed that, the seed rate had a significant effect on most of the vegetative growth attributes measured. Increasing seed rate increased plant height, decreased stem diameter, number of leaves per plant and leaf area index (LAI). The local cultivar (buff) had a significantly taller height, thicker stem diameter, greater number of leaves per plant and highest in leaf area index.
