Cowpea Production Research Articles

Studies of Colletotrichum species causing cowpea anthracnose in Nigeria reveal two first-time reports globally

AbstractCowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important multipurpose crop in various countries in sub-Saharan Africa. However, cowpea production is affected by cowpea anthracnose disease (CAD). In Nigeria, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and C. destructivum have been described as causal agents of CAD based on morphological features. Such characterization is unreliable because many similarities among and within Colletotrichum spp. exist. In the current study, Colletotrichum spp. were isolated from leaves showing CAD symptoms collected in farmers’ fields across four states in Nigeria. Isolates were characterized using morphological keys, severity scores in detached leaf assays, and sequencing of the ITS, ACT, GADPH, TUB, ApMat, and CAL genes. Two species, C. chrysophilum and C. siamense, were identified after comparing multigene sequences. Morphological characteristics and disease symptoms were very similar for both species. However, severity scores varied among and within species. Both C. chrysophilum and C. siamense are reported for the first time as causal agents of CAD across the globe. The accurate diagnosis of organisms causing CAD in the studied region will allow developing effective management strategies.

ANALYSIS OF EFFECTIVENESS AND PROFITABILITY OF SELECTED WEED CONTROL METHODS FOR COWPEA [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] PRODUCTION IN THE SUDAN SAVANNA ECOLOGY OF NIGERIA

Weed management is crucial and expensive step towards cowpea production. Field experiments were conducted during the wet season of 2019 and 2020 at the Research and Teaching farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University Kano to evaluate the effectiveness and profitability of selected weed management using weedy check (control), hoe weeding at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS), metolachlor at 2.0 kg a.i.ha-1, imazethapyr at 3.0 kg a.i.ha-1, pendimethalin at 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1, pendimethalin at 3.0 kg a.i ha-1, pendimethalin 1.0 + imazethapyr 1.0 kg a.i.ha-1, metolachlor 1.5 + pendimethalin 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1, imazethapyr 1.0 + pendimethalin 1.0 kg a.i.ha-1 + SHW at 6 WAS, metolachlor 1.5 + pendimethalin 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 + SHW at 6 WAS, metolachlor at 2.0 + SHW at 6 WAS, pendimethalin at 2.0 + Supplementary hoe weeding (SHW) at 6 WAS. Weedy check plots yielded significantly (P < 0.01) higher weed density and dry weight than hoe weeded plots at 3 and 6 WAS, Pendimethalin and Metolachlor each at 2.0 + SHW at 6 WAS, which produced lower density and biomass, albeit comparable to other herbicidal-treated plots across the two seasons. Similarly, the application of two hoe weeding’s at 3 and 6 WAS and Metolachlor and Pendimethalin at 2.0 + SHW at 6 WAS significantly resulted in producing higher branches, pods plant-1, pod yield and fodder yield than weedy check. The result of the profitability analysis shows that the highest and lowest gross margin was obtained under pendimethalin at 2.0 kg a.i.h-1 + SHW at 6 WAS (₦164,385/ha) and weedy check (₦28,020/ha), respectively. The average gross income (2019/2020) season was highest under hoe weeding at 3 and 6 WAS, which could be connected to high yield, however, its gross margin ratio (53%) decreased lower than treatments under pendimethalin and metolachlor each at 2.0 kg a.i.h-1 + SHW at 6 WAS (56% and 55% respectively) which is associated with labour cost. For efficient management of cowpea weeds in Nigerian Sudan savanna ecology, application of pendimethalin and metolachlor at 2.0 kg a.i.h-1 + SHW at 6 WAS could be recommended due to their financial and economic advantages.

Phenotypic characterization of different seed coat color of cowpea cultivars, Vigna unguiculata (L). Walp. in West-Central Côte d'Ivoire

Cowpea is a widely consumed legume in sub-Saharan Africa. Several cowpea cultivars based on seed coat color are widely observed. Consumers' choice of cultivar varies from one region to another. However, the lack of improved varieties and the limited availability of information on the productive potential of these cultivars is one of the constraints on the development of cowpea production. Thus, red, white, black and brown seed coat widely consumed were evaluated in the field over two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023 on a plot following a randomized complete block design with four replications. Morphological and agronomic parameters showed that there were two groups of cultivars with interesting agronomic characteristics. The first group composed of the black, brown and red cultivars had a relatively short reproductive time, averaging 66 days. These cultivars are considered early. The number of fruits of these cultivars was also high, with an average of 12 fruits per plant. The second group, consisting exclusively of the white seed coat cultivar produced high biomass and plant length. It had also twice the pod and seed weight of the other cultivars. It would be possible to develop hybrids in the future, seeking, for example, to improve the seed weight of the red cultivar with a short reproductive cycle by crossing with the white seed coat cultivar, with a view to creating an early variety with a high yield.

Enhancing the sustainability of cowpea production through the integrated use of fish effluents and animal manure

AbstractThe integration of aquaculture and agriculture in arid and semi‐arid environments is crucial for maximizing water and land productivity, especially considering the increasing global water scarcity and the simultaneous use of water for crop and fish production. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effects of fish effluent on the growth, yield parameters, and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). The experiment involved 13 fertilization treatments, including three types of irrigation water (river water—control, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), African sharp‐toothed catfish (Clarias gariepinus), four fertilizers (poultry, cattle, and sheep manures at 10 t ha−1), recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer (150 kg ha−1 of NPK 6‐20‐10), and six mixed treatments with fish effluent and 50% of the applied rate of manure alone (5 t ha−1). The combined use of C. gariepinus effluent + 50% poultry manure significantly increased stem diameter, nodules per plant, pods per plant, and seed yield compared to NPK treatments. The shortest days to reach 50% flowering were obtained with the effluent of O. niloticus + 50% sheep manure, C. gariepinus/O. niloticus + 50% poultry manure, and 10 t ha−1 poultry manure. However, fertilization treatments did not significantly influence the number of branches, pod and root length, number of pods per plant, 100‐seed weight, and leaf chlorophyll concentrations. This study suggests that fish effluents, when combined with manure, can improve plant growth and seed yield, providing a cost‐effective alternative to inorganic fertilizers for smallholder farmers.

THE EFFECTS OF INTEGRATED SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT AND CROPPING SYSTEMS ON SOIL WATER CONTENT ON SORGHUM AND COWPEA PRODUCTION IN CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF KENYA

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Soil fertility degradation remains the major biophysical cause of declining <em>per capita</em> crop production on smallholder farmers in Central Kenya highlands. The study was carried out for 3 consecutive seasons in Embu County classified as semi-arid lands in Kenya. <strong>Objectives:</strong> To determine the effect of Soil Water Harvesting (SWH), cropping systems and Integrated Soil Fertility Management technologies on sorghum and cowpea production in Mbeere South Sub-County, Kenya. <strong>Methodology:</strong> The treatments were arranged in a factorial structure with 3 levels of SWH, 2 cropping systems and 6 soil fertility management options laid out in a partially balanced incomplete block design. The SWC was measured after 2 weeks after planting interval stages in the whole season. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and significant means separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 95% Confidence Interval. <strong>Results:</strong> There was a two way interactions effect between SWH*Fertility management options on sorghum grain yields was significant (<em>p</em>=0.0027, <em>p</em>=0.0008 and<em> p</em>=0.0057) during long rains (LR) of 2011 and 2012, and short rains (SR) of 2011, respectively. Additionally, SWH methods significantly affected sorghum grain yields in a similar trend (<em>p</em>=0.002, <em>p</em>=0.0005 and<em> p</em>=0.0003) in their respective seasons. In SR 2011 and LR 2012, soil fertility options also produced significant effects (<em>p</em>=0.0047 and <em>p</em>=0.0024) on cowpea grain yields, respectively. The results further indicated that there were significant higher SWC measurements at initial stages of 2 WAP, 4 WAP and 6 WAP intervals as compared to the late stages of the season. However, sole cropping systems had significantly more SWC measurement than those in intercropping systems in both seasons. <strong>Implications:</strong> Manure added treatments positively affected SWC conservation and this could be as a result of increased soil organic carbon which improved soil fertility. The available SWC played a great role in drought effect mitigation by availing moisture to sorghum and cowpea productivity especially when prolonged dry spells coincide with crop’s sensitive phenological growing stages. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Water harvesting methods cropping systems and soil fertility management options had positive influence on soil moisture conservation and crop yields production in Central Kenya Highland. </p>

Residual Effect of Water Soluble Fertilizers on Productivity and Nutrients Uptake of Cowpea in Aerobic Rice-cowpea Cropping Sequence under Fertigaton

A field experiment was under taken at University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka state, India to study the residual effect of fertigation of water soluble fertilizers on productivity and nutrients uptake of cowpea under aerobic rice-cowpea cropping sequence during Kharif 2015-16 and 2016-17 with 16 treatments replicated thrice in randomized block design. Significantly higher plant height (58.47 cm), number of branches plant-1 (11.71) and total dry matter accumulation plant-1 (70.60 g) were recorded in fertigation with 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizer at 8 DI. Likely, similar treatment 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizer at 8 DI was recorded significantly higher number of pods plant-1 (16.58), pod length (16.67 cm), seeds per pod (16.10), test weight (11.93 g), seed yield (12.94 q ha-1) and haulm yield (26.17 q ha-1). While higher total uptake of N, P and K by cowpea (68.94, 14.67 and 61.39 kg N, P and K ha-1, respectively) was recorded in 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at 4 DI (T5) than all other treatments. 100% RDF through WSF at 8 DI (T8) was recorded notably higher total Ca, Mg and S uptake by cowpea (50.71, 24.71 and 12.09 kg Ca, Mg and S ha-1, respectively). Significantly higher uptake of total Fe, Zn and Cu by cowpea crop (680.23, 91.30 and 38.27 g ha-1, respectively) was recorded with 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at 8 DI (T8). Total uptake of Mn was recorded higher by cowpea was observed (181.67 g ha-1) in 100% STCR dose through water soluble fertilizers at 4 DI (T11).

Growth and productivity of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) as affected by different levels of nano DAP in north eastern dry zone of Karnataka

Growth and productivity of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) as affected by different levels of nano DAP in north eastern dry zone of Karnataka

Evaluating Effect of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices Adoption on Productivity of Drought-Tolerant Pulses: Insights from Dryland Areas of Makueni County, Kenya

Increased productivity of drought-tolerant pulses could potentially reduce household food insecurity, particularly in developing countries. This paper examines the effect of socioeconomic and institutional factors and the adoption of climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices on productivity of green gram, pigeon pea and cowpea in Makueni County, Kenya. We consider six common CSA practices namely: benches, soil conservation practices, minimum tillage, agroforestry, irrigation practices, and crop diversification. Using data from 384 randomly selected farmers, we use Sseemingly Unrelated Regression (SUREG) model to estimate factors influencing productivity of drought-tolerant pulses. The results showed that soil conservation practices were the most adopted (72%), while irrigation practices were the least adopted (9.6%). Among the CSA practices, crop diversification and benches were key to significantly affect the productivity of the three pulses, while agroforestry did not affect productivity of any of the selected pulses. Farming experience, number of extension contacts, and years of schooling were key socioeconomic and institutional factors that significantly affected the productivity of drought-tolerant pulses considered. Results showed that the impact of CSA practices on productivity differed among the pulses, since the soil conservation practices affected the productivity of both green gram and pigeon pea, while other practices including minimum tillage soil and irrigation practices affected the productivity of cowpea and green gram, respectively. Consequently, policies should consider promoting the adoption CSA practices among smallholder famers in Sub-Saharan Africa to improve farm level crop productivity and ensure household food security. Furthermore, Sub-Saharan Africa governments and agricultural sector policy makers should promote sustainable financial incentives such as establishment of farmer-friendly credit financing schemes to enhance CSA adoption and in-turn boost smallholder farmers farm net returns.

The Effect of Using Compost on Cowpea Productivity in the Semi-Arid Region of Brazil

The production of cowpea is part of the agricultural activities of farmers in the semi-arid region of Brazil, being important in the aspect of acquiring income and source of food, in this sense, the use of rooster tree (Calotropis procera) mixed with cattle manure in cowpea productivity in the semi-arid region of Brazil. The experiment was conducted from August to November 2023 at the Rafael Fernandes experimental farm, in the district of Alagoinha (5º03'37 "S, 37º23'50" W), northwest of Mossoró, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, with an area of 400 hectares. The experimental design used was randomized complete blocks in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, with three replications. The first factor consisted of four quantities of cattle manure (0.0; 1.1; 2.2 and 4.4 kg m-2), the second factor being the presence and absence of rooster tree. Each plot consisted of dimensions of 2.2 m x 1.2 m, with a total area of 2.64 m2. Each plot had eight holes with three plants, making a population of 90,900 plants ha-1. After harvesting the dried pods, they were stored in plastic bags, identified and taken to the DCAF/UFERSA Post-Harvest laboratory, where the following characteristics were measured: pod length, expressed in cm, number of pods plant-1, expressed in plant-1 units, weight of five pods, expressed in grams, weight of 100 grains, expressed in grams and dry grain productivity, expressed in kg ha-1. The highest cowpea productivity was observed at a dose of 4.4 kg m-2, with a maximum value of 2,858.85 kg ha-1. The presence of rooster tree did not influence any of the characteristics evaluated. The use of cattle manure is an option for farmers in the semi-arid region.

Productive Performance of Biomass Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) Cultivars in Different Cropping Systems and Planting Times

Global projections indicate that the demand for fresh water, energy, and food will increase significantly in the coming decades under the pressure of population growth, economic development, climate change, and other factors. Faced with this, technologies that promote sustainable development through the use of clean energy will be imperative. That way, this study aimed at evaluating the productive performance of biomass sorghum and cowpea cultivars in different cropping systems and planting seasons. The experiment was conducted at the Caatinga Experimental Field at Embrapa Semiarid, Petrolina—PE. Four cowpea (BRS Itaim, BRS Gurguéia, BRS Guariba, and BRS Carijó) and two biomass sorghum cultivars (BRS 716 and AGRI-002E) were used in intercropping and monoculture systems. The cultivars were sown during two different seasons: June (season 1—winter) and December (season 2—summer) of 2021. The biometric and productive parameters and land equivalent ratios (LERs) of sorghum and cowpea were evaluated. The data were subjected to multivariate analysis. The productive performance of biomass sorghum cultivars Agri-002E and BRS 716 was higher when planted in December, with an increase of 37% due to the planting season. Cowpea productivity was not influenced by sowing seasons or the cultivation system. Based on the calculation of efficient land use, the intercropping between biomass sorghum cultivar BRS 716 and cowpea cultivars BRS Gurguéia, BRS Guariba, and BRS Carijó was advantageous when compared to monocultures planted in the hottest season. This study showed the importance of cultivar selection, the planting time, and land use efficiency in intercropping systems.

Comparative Assessment of Water Productivity and Crop Performance of Cluster Bean, Cowpea and Pearl Millet in Arid Zones

Arid and semi-arid regions face mounting challenges due to water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, necessitating sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security and economic stability. This study compares the water productivity and crop performance of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L), Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) and Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under sprinkle irrigation in the Thar Desert, India. The experiment, conducted over two years (2022 and 2023) at ICAR – CSWRI – Arid Region Campus, Bikaner evaluated plant height, leaf number, branch development, fresh and dry biomass yields and water productivity. Pearl Millet exhibited the tallest plants (160.03 cm) and highest water productivity (1.57 kg/m³), emphasizing its drought resilience and efficient water use. Cowpea demonstrated substantial biomass production (average fresh weight of 16,348.75 kg/hac.) and moderate water productivity (1.16 kg/m³), suitable for forage and soil improvement. Cluster Bean, although less productive in biomass, showed adaptability with increased branching (from 4.65 to 7.35 branches/tiller/plant), indicative of its resilience in arid conditions. These findings underscore the importance of crop selection and management practices in maximizing agricultural productivity and resource use efficiency in water-limited environments.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Health, Soil Quality, and Production of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.).

The integrated application of inorganic fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and biofertilizers helps sustainthe nutrient pool and benefits the soil quality, thereby boosting plant health. The effect of different combinations of biofertilizers (consortium biofertilizer [CBF]-non-rhizobial PGPR), inorganicfertilizers, and organic fertilizers on soil health, growth, and yield of cowpea was evaluated by conducting a field experiment. The application of N100FYM + CBF resulted in significantly higher populations of bacteria, fungi, PSB, and diazotroph, as well as soil dehydrogenaseand alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities. However, the application of N100 FYM recorded a significantly higher actinomycetes population. The application of N100 FYM + CBF resulted in significantly higher soil OC, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The soil pH was recorded to be highest in control, and soil EC was recorded to be lowest in control. The plant uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium was significantly higher with N50 FYM + NP50 + CBF. The root-shoot biomass, number of leaves, nodules/plant, number of pods/plants, pod biomass, pod length, and pod width were significantly higher in treatment having N50 FYM + NP50 + CBF. However, the height of the plant, number of branches, and biomass of leaves werehighest in treatment with N25 FYM + NP75 + CBF. The pod and stover yield were significantly higher in treatment with N50 FYM + NP50 + CBF. The results showed that the integrated application of non-rhizobial PGPR along with organic and inorganic fertilizer helps to improve overall soil health, quality, and plant growth of forage cowpea contributing to an increase in crop yield.

Influence of number of seedling per planting hole on niebe (Vigna unguiculata l. Walp) agronomic parameters cultivated in daloa, Côte d’ivoire

Cowpeas (Vignaunguiculata (L) walp) are one of the important plants in most African communities where they are grown. Cowpeas represent an easily transportable source of protein. Despite its importance, it confronted with numerous cultural constraints. This work was undertaken to evaluate the influence of number of plants per sowing point and seeding spacing on the growth and production of cowpea with a view to increasing cowpea yield. The trial was set up in a three replicates plot block design. The main plots consisted of the number of plants per sowing point (one plant per sowing point, two plants per sowing point and three plants per sowing point) at three spacing resulting in the following stand : Plots with a density of 20cm x 20cm had (225 ;450 ; 675) plants per sowing point, those with a density of 30cm x 30cm had (100 ;200 ; 300) plants per sowing point and finally those with a density of 40cm x 40cm had (56 ;112 ; 168) plants per sowing point. Observations were made on growth and yield parameters. The results showed that three plants per plot at high densities resulted in lower yields. Sowing two plants per sowing point at different spacing resulted in a 50% decrease in yield compared to sowing one plant per plot. On the other hand, the highest yield was obtained with the one plant per sowing point at low-density. On the other hand, the different spacing adopted induced significant effects for eight tenths of the observed parameters. The sowing of cowpea at 40 cm x 40 cm spacing with one plant per sowing point would effectively increase the yield of this crop in the city of Daloa.

Exploring the Effective Management Strategy to Sustain Cowpea Production under High Temperature Stress

Background: Abiotic stress negatively impacts the morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics of plants leading to loss of yield and quality. The substantial increase in population and global surface temperature extends to global food insecurity hence it is important to maintain a sustainable yield of crops. Cowpea being a protein-rich legume and a nodule-forming crop facilitates not only meeting food insecurity but also creates a sustainable environment. The objective of this study was to explore the suitable management practice for cowpea to attain sustainable yield under the elevated temperature of +2°C from ambient. Methods: An experiment in cowpea variety Co 7 was carried out in Temperature Gradient Tunnel (TGT) located at Agro Climate Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The research trial was carried out during the year 2021 and 2022 with Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD). In this study, we have investigated the effect of different treatments on growth, yield, quality and available nutrients in soil. Result: The application of vermicompost with foliar spray of 3% Panchagavya at 30, 45 and 60 DAS stimulated the plant height, number of leaves and leaf area index (LAI). The increase in availability of soil nutrients exhibited higher dry matter production, pod length (10.46 cm), number of seeds per pod (7.56), test weight (12.56 g), seed yield (13.25 g plant-1) and seed protein (21.82%). These results suggest that vermicompost application with 3% foliar spray of Panchagavya has a positive effect on improving the high-temperature tolerance of cowpea plants.

Correlation and Path Analysis in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

This study, conducted at Horticultural Research Farm of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India, over 2020-21 and 2021-22, aimed to examine coefficient of correlation and direct and indirect effects of yield contributing traits on economic yield among 30 diverse cowpea genotypes. The research employed a Randomized Block Design (R.B.D.) with three replications, assessing twenty-six quantitative traits. Genotypic correlations exceeded phenotypic correlations, underscoring genetic influence over environmental factors. Key findings included plant height's positive correlation with branches per plant and days to first flowering, while negatively correlating with nodes on main branches and pod diameter. Traits such as number of pods per plant and average pod weight showed strong positive correlations with pod yield, highlighting their importance in breeding programs. Path coefficient analysis revealed significant positive direct effects on pod yield per plant from traits including plant height, branches per plant, and average pod weight. Indirect effects through traits like days to first flowering and non-reducing sugars also contributed to pod yield. These insights into trait correlations and effects are crucial for developing superior cowpea genotypes with enhanced yield and agronomic traits. The findings emphasize the importance of genetic variability in breeding programs, enabling the selection of superior genotypes to improve cowpea productivity.

Salicylic acid improves cowpea productivity under water restriction in the field by modulating metabolism.

Salicylic acid has shown promise in alleviating water stress in cultivated plants. However, there is a lack of studies confirming its effectiveness in cowpea plants grown in field conditions. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the use of salicylic acid as a water stress mitigator in cowpea cultivars under different irrigation depths in field conditions. Four cowpea cultivars (BRS Novaera, BRS Tapaihum, BRS Pujante, and BRS Pajeú) were subjected to different treatments: control (W100: 100% replacement of crop evapotranspiration - ETc), W50 (50% of ETc), W50+SA2 (50% of ETc + 276 mg L-1 of SA), and W50+SA4 (50% of ETc + 552 mg L-1 of SA). The treatments were combined in a 4×4 factorial scheme with three replications, arranged in a randomized block design. Water restriction had a negative impact on the water status, growth, gas exchange, and production of the cultivars while also leading to changes in the antioxidant metabolism and osmolyte concentration. The application of SA enhanced antioxidant activity and the synthesis of osmotic adjusters under stress conditions. The most effective concentration was 276 mg L-1 in stage R2 and 552 mg L-1 in stage V7, respectively. The BRS Pujante cultivar showed increased productivity under water restriction with SA application, while the BRS Tapaihum was the most tolerant among the cultivars studied. In summary, our findings underscore the importance of using SA to mitigate the effects of water restriction on cowpea cultivation. These discoveries are crucial for the sustainability of cowpea production in regions susceptible to drought, which can contribute to food security. We further add that the adoption of new agricultural practices can enhance the resilience and productivity of cowpea as an essential and sustainable food source for vulnerable populations in various parts of the world.

Effect of Residue and Nutrient Management on Productivity, Profitability and Greenhouse Gas Emission of Cowpea in Intensified Rice-Based Cropping Systems

Effect of Residue and Nutrient Management on Productivity, Profitability and Greenhouse Gas Emission of Cowpea in Intensified Rice-Based Cropping Systems

Enhancing cowpea wilt resistance: insights from gene coexpression network analysis with exogenous melatonin treatment

BackgroundCowpea wilt is a harmful disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum, leading to substantial losses in cowpea production. Melatonin reportedly regulates plant immunity to pathogens; however the specific regulatory mechanism underlying the protective effect of melatonin pretreated of cowpea against Fusarium oxysporum remains known. Accordingly, the study sought to evaluate changes in the physiological and biochemical indices of cowpea following melatonin treated to facilitate Fusarium oxysporum resistance and elucidate the associated molecular mechanism using a weighted gene coexpression network.ResultsTreatment with 100 µM melatonin was effective in increasing cowpea resistance to Fusarium oxysporum. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), catalase (CAT), and salicylic acid (SA) levels were significantly upregulated, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were significantly downregulated in melatonin treated samples in roots. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis of melatonin- and Fusarium oxysporum-treated samples identified six expression modules comprising 2266 genes; the number of genes per module ranged from 9 to 895. In particular, 17 redox genes and 32 transcription factors within the blue module formed a complex interconnected expression network. KEGG analysis revealed that the associated pathways were enriched in secondary metabolism, peroxisomes, phenylalanine metabolism, flavonoids, and flavonol biosynthesis. More specifically, genes involved in lignin synthesis, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase were upregulated. Additionally, exogenous melatonin induced activation of transcription factors, such as WRKY and MYB.ConclusionsThe study elucidated changes in the expression of genes associated with the response of cowpea to Fusarium oxysporum under melatonin treated. Specifically, multiple defence mechanisms were initiated to improve cowpea resistance to Fusarium oxysporum.

COPING STRATEGIES ON CLIMATE VARIABILITY AMONG COWPEA FARMERS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

<p><strong>Background.</strong> The unstable climatic conditions can no longer be predicted by farmers. The unpredictability intensity of temperature and pattern of rainfall in cowpea production has affected the farmers’ decision on production practices and general productivity. Therefore, farmers are beginning to improvise on management practices to avert the effects of climate change to remain relevant and profitable in the business of cowpea production. <strong>Objective.</strong> To examine the farmers’ coping strategies used against the effects of climate variability for cowpea production in Kwara State, Nigeria. <strong>Methodology.</strong> A multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 cowpea-based farmers. A structured survey questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Data were analysed with frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation while Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to ascertain the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and copying strategies used by farmers. <strong>Results.</strong> Majority (79.2%) of the respondents experienced high adverse effects of climate variability including abnormal rise in temperature (76.7%), irregular/unpredictable rainfall patterns (51.7%), and excessive rainfall (37.5%) on cowpea crop. The leading coping strategies used by farmers were use of fertilizer (x̄=2.73), herbicides (x̄=2.72), and planting early maturing variety (x̄=2.51). Farmers were mainly hindered by adequate irrigation facilities (x̄=1.72), inadequate access to extension services (x̄=1.66), and high cost of agrochemicals (x̄=1.60). Result education, cowpea farm size, years of experience in cowpea farming, membership in farmers group, and additional sources of information on cowpea production showed a positive significant relationship with the choice of coping strategies employed by cowpea farmers against the effects of climate change experienced at p<0.05 level. <strong>Implication.</strong> The study showed that abnormal rise in temperature and irregular rainfall patterns are affecting cowpea production and thus, some socioeconomic attributes significantly supported farmers’ choice of coping strategies employed against the effects of climate change and variability. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> The use of agrochemicals and cultivation of early maturing variety has played critical roles in coping with adverse effects of climate variability in cowpea production. </p>

Agronomic Biofortification Increases Concentrations of Zinc and Storage Proteins in Cowpea Grains

Zinc (Zn) is crucial for both plant metabolism and human nutrition, with its deficiency being a global health concern. Strategies to increase its availability in food, such as agronomic biofortification, have gained prominence. This study evaluated the impact of foliar spraying of Zn [at full bloom stage: 0 (control) and 600 g ha−1, as ZnSO4⋅7H2O] on the nutritional quality of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) grains. Field experiments involving 20 cowpea genotypes were carried out over two seasons in a Typic Quartzipsamment under a no-tillage system. The photosynthetic responses of cowpea plants and the concentrations of Zn, amino acids, sucrose, total sugars, and storage proteins (glutelin, albumin, prolamin, and globulin) in grains were analyzed. All genotypes showed enrichment of Zn in grains in response to ZnSO4⋅7H2O application compared to untreated plants. Foliar spraying of ZnSO4⋅7H2O during initial grain filling was ideal for increasing Zn concentration in grains and improving plant physiological processes. Additionally, Zn fertilization led to higher concentrations of storage and total amino acids and proteins in the grains, supporting the rational application of Zn in cowpea production to improve the nutritional quality of grains and increase plant productivity.