Abstract
<p>Cowpea, <em>Vigna unguiculata</em> is widely cultivated in the tropics and subtropics as food for man and livestock. The crop is highly prone to pests and diseases which limit its production. Resistant cowpea varieties have become increasingly important in the management of both field and storage pests. Three improved cowpea varieties and one local variety were screened for their susceptibility to field and storage pests. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four treatments and three replications. The different pests infesting the plants were identified and counted. Aphids and thrips were scored on a scale of 0-5, depending on the levels of infestations. Natural enemies’ numbers, leaf damage, pod damage and yield were assessed. <em>Callosobruchus maculatus</em> infestations during storage and weight reduction were determined over a six week period. Aphids and <em>M. sjostedti</em> score, <em>M. virtrata</em> and <em>Empoasca</em> sp. numbers did not differ significantly; however, significantly more pod sucking bubs attacked the local variety than the improved varieties. Natural enemies’ numbers on the various cultivars did not differ significantly. Yield was however significantly better in the improved varieties. The local variety suffered the largest weight reduction (20.91%) during storage while Nhyira suffered the least weight reduction of 4.23%. The use of improved varieties and application of pests’ control measures will increase cowpea production in Ghana.</p>
Highlights
Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, (L.) (Walp.) is one of the most important legume crops cultivated by many resource-poor farmers in many countries of tropical Africa, Asia and South America (Kabululu, 2008)
Callosobruchus maculatus infestations during storage and weight reduction were determined over a six week period
Three improved cowpea varieties namely Asontem, Nhyira and Asetenapa were obtained from the Crops Research Institute (CRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Kwadaso Kumasi and a local variety which served as the control were used as treatments
Summary
Vigna unguiculata, (L.) (Walp.) is one of the most important legume crops cultivated by many resource-poor farmers in many countries of tropical Africa, Asia and South America (Kabululu, 2008). It is either grown in a monocrop or often intercropped with various crops such as millet, sorghum and maize in many African countries; especially in the drier regions of the continent (Singh & Sharma, 1996). Cowpea roots harbour Rhizobium sp that is able to fix nitrate, even in very poor soils (Blade et al, 1997)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
