Cowpea Production Research Articles

Production, acceptability, nutritional and pasting properties of orange-flesh sweet potato, cowpea and banana flour mix

Promoting the intake of foods rich in vitamin A is key to combating the increase in vitamin A deficiency. This research focused on the utilization of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (a tuber-based food), cowpea (a pulse), and ripe bananas (a fruit) for the production of flour mix as a means to reduce Vitamin A deficiency in children. Different ratios of sweet potato-cowpea-banana (PCB) mix, resulting in 8 different blended samples, were optimized. The flour mix was evaluated for its overall acceptability, vitamin A content, beta-carotene, and other nutritional and functional properties. The panelists rated the sweet potato-cowpea banana blends labeled PCB8 (60% OFSP, 30% cowpea, 5% ripe banana flour, and 5% sugar) as most preferred and acceptable with average scores of 8.96 points for color, 8.75 points for flavor, 8.88 points for appearance, 8.33 points for taste, 8.07 points for texture, and 8.39 points for overall acceptability on a 9-point hedonic scale. The vitamin A and beta-carotene contents ranged 7.62 to 8.35 mg/100 g and 0.15–0.17 mg/100 g for all blends. A significant difference in the functional properties of the flour mix were observed with an increase in the ratio of sweet potato flour addition. Findings from this study show that the flour mix PCB4 (65% sweet potato, 30% cowpea, and 5% ripe banana flour) was acceptable (8.15) and is recommended based on its vitamin A content (8.35 mg/100 g), nutritional properties, and functional properties. The study showed that locally available food commodities have good nutritional value that will help reduce vitamin A deficiency in children.

Effects of Conservation Tillage Method, Phosphorus Level, and Variety on Soil Organic Carbon and Cowpea Performance at Minna in Nigeria’s Southern Guinea Savanna

The study was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology Minna, Gidan Kwano Campus in Latitude 9° 41' N, Longitude 6° 31' E, and Altitude 258.5 m above sea level. This study was conducted across 2 seasons within the cropping season of 2017 to determine the effects of tillage method, phosphorus level, and cowpea variety on soil organic carbon and cowpea performance in Minna. The experiment was therefore a 3x3x3 factorial arrangement in a split-plot design with tillage methods (zero, reduced, and manual ridging) and cowpea varieties (IT93K-452-1, IT99K-573-1-1, and IT90K-277-2) forming the main plot while phosphorus levels (0 P kg ha-1, 30 P kg ha-1, and 60 P kg ha-1) formed the sub-plot with 3 replicates. Results obtained revealed that soil organic carbon was not significantly affected by tillage method and phosphorus level alone, regardless of the planting season. Cowpea variety alone significantly affected organic carbon only in the late planting season. Zero tillage, 60 kg P ha-1, and IT93K-452-1 produced the highest soil organic carbon content, respectively. In the early season, N fixed was highest (0.98 g plant-1) when cowpea was fertilized with 60 Kg P ha-1 under zero tillage. The closest to this value (0.92 g plant-1) was recorded in the late season when 60 kg P ha-1 was supplied to cowpea under manual tillage. Regardless of the planting season and varietal difference, cowpea recorded the highest N fixed when fertilized with 60 kg P ha-1. Across varieties, cowpea fixed more N under zero tillage than the other tillage methods, especially in the early season. In the late season, only IT90K-277-2 fixed N (0.49 g plant-1) under zero tillage that was statistically not different from the highest N fixed due to manual tillage of soil under the cultivation of IT93K-452-1 and IT99K-573-1-1 (0.62 g plant-1, respectively). In the early season, IT99K-573-1-1 cultivated under zero tillage produced the highest grain yield (404.11 kg ha-1). Fodder yield followed a different trend compared to grain yield. In the early planting season, cowpea fertilized with 60 kg P ha-1 produced the highest fodder yield, while in the late season, the application of 30 kg P ha-1 produced the highest fodder yield. Regardless of the planting season, grain yield was highest when IT99K-573-1-1 was fertilized with 60 kg P ha-1. Averagely, soil organic carbon content, N fixed, and grain yield values were highest during the late planting than the early planting season. The reverse was, however, the case for fodder yield, seedling emergence, root length, root, and shoot biomass, respectively. For the best performance in cowpea production, farmers are encouraged to plant IT99K-573-1-1 on zero-tilled soil with phosphorus application at the rate of 60 kg ha-1. IT90K-277-2, which is the most genetically stable variety across seasons, will be most ideal in controlling negative climate change and should therefore be considered for further investigations.

An Economic Analysis of Production of Cowpea in Bilaspur District of Chhattisgarh, India

The research entitled “An Economic Analysis of Production of Cowpea in Bilaspur District of Chhattisgarh, India” was done with the specific objectives to work out the cost and returns of cowpea in the study area, The survey for specified objective was conducted in Takhatpur and Bilha blocks of Bilapur district of Chhattisgarh. Data were collected from 75 cowpea growers from the 10 villages (5 villages from each block). Data related to marketing was collected from 5 village traders, 6 wholesalers and 8 retailers. The primary data were collected from the cowpea growers through personal interview method with the help of well-prepared questionnaire for the production and marketing in the year 2022-23. The collected data were analysed by using average, mean, percentage and other tools to present in tabular form and for cost and cost concept were used. The study reveal that the overall cost of cultivation per hectare of cowpea wascalculatedRs.1,00,057.00. The cost of cultivation per hectare showed rising trend with the rise in farm size. The overall input-output ratio of cowpea was found to be 1:1.6on the sample farms.

Status of endogenous endomycorrhizal fungi associated with cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i> L.) in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon

The Sudano-Sahelian part of Cameroon is known for its severe climatic conditions and low soil fertility. Local farmers use chemical fertilisers to increase crop production, usually without moderation. As a result, there is environmental pollution such as soil acidification, production of greenhouse gases, and increased eutrophication. To face this situation, scientific research recommends ecological solutions such as bio-fertilisers to enhance soil fertility. In this context, the mycorrhiza symbiosis technology deserves special attention. Indeed, it is a beneficial association between soil fungi (Glomeromycota) and the roots of more than 85% of plants; the evaluation of the agronomic potential of these microorganisms has shown spectacular results under field conditions. This study analyses the status of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the cowpea rhizosphere in the agro-ecological zone 1 of Cameroon. For this purpose, soil samples were collected from the Far North and North regions of Cameroon. Composite soil samples were obtained by mixing soils collected from three divisions per region. Cowpea was grown in pots on these composite soil samples for 3 months. At maturity, spores of mycorrhizal fungi were isolated and parameters including mycorrhization frequency and intensity, the specific spore’s density and richness were evaluated. The spores were characterised according to morpho-anatomical criteria. The results established that between localities, mycorrhization frequency varied between 7-19%; mycorrhization intensity, 7-17.28%; specific density, 0.66-44% and specific richness, 2-4%. Eight specimens of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in six genera were characterised: Acaulospora (A. kentinensis, A. myriocarpa); Ambispora sp; Diversispora epigae, Funneliformis mossea, Glomus (G. constrictum, G. manihotis, and G. maculosum) and Rhizophagus intraradices. G. constritum was predominant in all the studied sites, followed by R. intraradices, while Acaulospora myriocarpa was the rarest. These results pave the way for the selection of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi for ecological cowpea production in this area.

Influence of temperature regimes on drought stress tolerance of cowpea genotypes in Northern Guinea savannah, Nigeria

Drought is a major constraint that affects cowpea production in Zaria, Nigeria. It is unpredictable, and occurs at any growth stage of cowpea. Changes in global climatic trendsare consistently narrowing the cowpea growing season in Northern Nigeria by graduallypushing its cultivation towards drought-prone, colder temperatures. The study aimed to elucidate foresight data on the tolerance of cowpea landraces to drought at cold and hottemperatures in a bid to harness available germplasm towards mitigating climatic changes.Seedling drought tolerance of four hundred and twenty-two (422) cowpea genotypes obtainedfrom farmers’ collection (308) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) (114) was evaluated by adopting the wooden box method. The parameters evaluated were number of plants, plant height, number of trifoliate, leaf senescence, stem greenness, and recovery. The mean square values for all evaluated traits were significant (p ≤ 0.05). Leaf senescence progressed rapidly in cooler temperatures (6 oC - 18 oC). Interestingly, the recovery rate upon reintroduction of water after drought stress was higher in cold temperatures. The percentage recovery and stem greenness of drought-tolerant plants were positively associated with hot temperatures (22 oC - 36 oC). As cowpea production is pushed into colder planting season, the resilience shown by cowpea landraces in northern Nigeria are positive.

Combined lime and biochar application enhances cowpea growth and yield in tropical Alfisol

It is essential to increase the pH of tropical soils in order to reduce acidity and promote soil and crop productivity. Therefore, experiments were carried out in 2020 and 2021 to assess the impacts of biochar and lime on the chemical properties, growth, nodulation, and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). The study involved various levels of lime (CaCO3) and wood biochar (ranging from 0 to 10 t ha−1), organized in a factorial combination. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The application of lime and biochar, either separately or in combination, led to improvements in soil chemical properties such as pH, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and cation exchange capacity (CEC), as well as enhancements in the growth, nodulation, and yield of cowpea when compared to the control. Lime and biochar alone and combined reduced exchangeable acidity (Al + H) relative to the control. Cowpea yield increased with lime rate up to a point, but then decreases. The highest cowpea yield is achieved at a lime rate of 2.5 t ha−1, whereas cowpea yield increased as the Biochar rate increased from 0 up to 10 t ha−1. There was a significant correlation between pH and cowpea pod weight in both years (2020 and 2021). The R values were − 0.615 and − 0.444 for years 2020 and year 2021 respectively at P < 0.05. At higher lime levels combined with biochar, there were considerable reductions in cowpea yield, and this decrease can be attributed to unfavorable soil pH conditions. Relative to 2.5 t ha−1 lime + 5 t ha−1 biochar, 10 t ha−1 lime + 10 t ha−1 biochar, reduced cowpea grain yield by 853% in 2020 and 845% in 2021. Since there were no significant differences between the effects of 2.5 t ha−1 lime + 5 t ha−1 biochar, 2.5 t ha−1 lime + 7.5 t ha−1 biochar, and 2.5 t ha−1 lime + 10 t ha−1 biochar applications on cowpea yield, therefore to prevent waste of Biochar, 2.5 t ha−1 lime + 5 t ha−1 biochar is recommended for production of cowpea.

Dual‐purpose cowpea grain and fodder yield response to variety, nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium fertilizer, and environment

AbstractAddressing the challenges of food and nutrition insecurity in sub‐Saharan Africa will require innovative agriculture production systems that support multiple objectives. Dual‐purpose cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp] varieties are expected to offer greater grain yields for human consumption and high‐quality fodder for livestock in semiarid regions of Senegal. However, limited information is available on the effects of varieties and fertilizer on dual‐purpose cowpea. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the grain and fodder yield of five newly released cowpea varieties (Kelle, Leona, Lizard, Sam, and Thieye) compared to traditional variety (Yacine) with fertilizer (nitrogen‐phosphorus‐potassium 6‐20‐10) and no‐fertilizer application. Genotype × environment × management experimentations were conducted across three cowpea production zones of Darou Mousty (400 mm per year), Bambey (500 mm per year), and Boulel (700 mm per year) over three growing seasons (2019–2021) to compare the growth and yield parameters of the cowpea varieties. Results of the study showed a 40% grain yield advantage from the greater yielding (Leona) variety in this study compared with the lower yielding (Lizard) variety. There was an additional 22% grain yield increase from the application of fertilizer compared with the unfertilized treatment. The variety (Leona) that produced the most grain also produced the most fodder yields. There was 67% fodder yield advantage from Leona compared with fodder yield from the older variety Yacine. Across varieties, application of fertilizer increased fodder yield by 15% compared to the unfertilized control. Average grain yield in high‐yielding environment (Boulel 2019, Darou Mousty 2019, and Bambey 2021) was 100% greater compared with average grain yield in low‐yielding environments (Boulel 2021, Darou Mousty 2021, and Bambey 2019). Compared to Yacine, dual‐purpose varieties increased net returns by 15%–58% or 13%–42% with early‐ and late‐season cowpea sales, respectively. However, fertilizer application was profitable only when cowpea grain and fodder were sold later in the season. In general, cowpea number of branches, pod number, and pod yield increased with fertilizer application. We concluded that producers can adopt dual‐purpose varieties and proper fertilizer management to increase grain yield, fodder availability, and profitability of cowpea production in Senegal.

Evaluation of Methods of Adding Chitosan and Potassium Silicate on Some Soil Fertility and Cowpea (Vigna ungiculata) Plant Productivity

This work aims to evaluate two methods of chitosan and potassium silicate application in 10, 15, and 20 days water irrigation on soil fertility and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) productivit. A field experiment was conducted in saline soil located in Sahl El-Hossinia at El-Sharkia Governorate. The location lies between latitude 32° / 00 to 32° / 15, N and longitude 30° / 50 to 31° / 15 E. For two successive summer seasons 2021 and 2022 cultivated with Cowpea, to study the evaluation of two methods applied for chitosan and silicate potassium combined with or without mineral N fertilizers different rate on some soil fertility and cowpea productivity under irrigation water periods. The experiments were carried out in a split-plotdesign with three replicates. Results obtained that the decreases of soil pH and soil salinity, as well as the increase of available macro-micronutrients contents in soil as affected with potassium silicate foliar application combined with mineral N through intervals irrigation period 10 days compared to other treatments. the increase of plant height (cm), No. of pods/plant, No. of branches /plant, weight 100 seeds (g), weight pods (ton/fed), and seeds yield (ton/fed) with increasing mineral N fertilizer rate combined with potassium silicate foliar application under irrigation water interval 10 days compared with other treatments. Also, the highest mean values of N, P, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrationsin seeds cowpea 4.16, 0.67, 9.20, 40.22 and 24.64 % respectively as affected with potassium silicate foliar application under irrigation water interval of 10 days than other treatments. From the previous results, we found that the method of foliar application of potassium silicate and chitosan under irrigation water at different periods has significant effects on all soil and plant characteristics compared to the soaking method.

Efficiency of Botanical and Chemical Pesticides on the Control of Field Insect Pests under Cowpea Production

Efficiency of Botanical and Chemical Pesticides on the Control of Field Insect Pests under Cowpea Production

Contribution of the triple hermetic bag in the preservation of locally processed cereal and legume products in Niger

Cereals and legumes constitute the staple foods in both urban and rural areas, and the main cereals and legume products in the Sahel region are millet, sorghum, maize, and cowpea. The small-scale processors of those products are facing storage and good packaging challenges. Triple hermetic bag technology is effective for the conservation of many stored grains against insect spoilage in Africa and around the world. This study aimed to examine the performance of the high-density polyethylene Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) bags (HDPE, 80 microns thick) for the preservation of processed cereals (broken corn, millet pellet, and sorghum dagué) and legume (broken cowpea) products against insects of storage. In addition, the impact of this technology on the physical and functional parameters of the processed products (moisture content, pH, water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, and bulk density) after 6 months of storage was carried out. Rhizopertha dominica was revealed to be the damaging storage pest in the product of millet pellet and broken corn with the average number of live insects of 121.33 and 0.66, respectively, in experimentally designed bags. Significant differences (P &lt; 0.01) and (P &lt; 0.01) are found among the results of functional and physical properties tested on these processed products, using PICS bags versus other storage types of bags. The use of triple hermetic bag technology for storage of processed cereals and legume products has shown protection against damaging insects and preserved their physical and functional properties qualities.

Level of Adoption and Perception of Farmers on Phosphorus Based Fertilizers for Cowpea Production in Katsina State, Nigeria

The study analyzed farmers' level of adoption and perception of phosphorus based fertilizers for cowpea production in Katsina state, Nigeria. A total of 153 cowpea farmers were sampled using a multi-stage sampling technique. Primary data was utilized in the study. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire by trained enumerators. Descriptive statistics, Kendalls’ coefficient of concordance and acceptability index were employed for data analysis. The results showed that the mean age for cowpea farmers was 41 years. Distribution of the respondents by gender reveals that 85.6% were males and the remaining 14.4% were females. The result of farmers’ perception of phosphorus-based fertilizer used shows a moderate agreement of 0.30 which indicates different perceptions among respondents. The study further revealed that the acceptability index of 6.54% was very alarming because cowpea farmers committed a small portion of their farmland toward adopting the technology. The level of knowledge of the cowpea farmers on phosphorus based fertilizers was very low, leading to a very low level of acceptance of phosphorus fertilizers in the study area. It was recommended that be made available and affordable to the cowpea farmers as this will increase the rate of technology adoption in the study area.

Effects of Zaï Pit Depth on Morphological Traits, Yield Components and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) in Burkina Faso

Cowpea is the leading food legume for many households in arid and semi-arid regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. The erratic rainfall leads to decrease in cowpea yield. The Zaï pit technology is an ancestral agricultural technique used for water and fertilizer management in crops production increasing productivity. A study was carried out in Burkina Faso during 2020 and 2021 dry season at Kamboinsin and at Kouare with for objective of evaluating the effects of Zaï depth on cowpea yield and yield components. Treatments consisted of the use of three Zaï depths (control (tillage); 15 cm; 25 cm) and four cowpea varieties. The experimental design used was a split-plot replicated three times. Yield and yield components data were collected and subjected to an analysis of variance using JMP Pro 10 software. The results showed that for all the studied varieties, all the yield components and yields average values increased with the Zaï pit depth. Zaï of 25 cm and 15 cm depth increased cowpea grain yield of more than 87% and 50% respectively compared to the control (tillage). Twenty-five-centimetre Zaï depth substantially enhances cowpea agronomical performances and is recommendable for cowpea production in drought prone regions or of low rainfall.

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR ADOPTION OF IMPROVED COWPEA TECHNOLOGIES IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

The research analysed the efficacy of information sources used by cowpea farmers in adopting improved cowpea technologies in Gombe State, Nigeria. The study applied a multistage sampling procedure in selecting 606 respondents. Data were elicited via structured questionnaires analysed using descriptive statistics, and means score. The result shows that, educated married males dominated the cowpea production enterprise, with a mean farming experience of 13 years, without belonging to cooperative society, nevertheless, they had access to informal sources on credit, with extension contact. Cowpea farmers agreed that positive attitudes such as perceiving the technologies as beneficial, reliable, and compatible with their farming systems, increases their adoption rate. Fellow farmers and friends, and radio 3.49 and 3.25weighted mean respectively were the effective sources of information, while print media weighted mean of 2.04 was the least source of information to the cowpea farmers. Therefore, information on cowpea production should be made readily available to the farmers via dependable and reliable sources such as (extension agents, radio, friends and other farmers, inputs suppliers, community leaders, and NGOs) to facilitate adoption of the technologies. It is recommended that; farmers should be encouraged to belong to cooperative organizations to pool their productive resources, increase their access to agricultural loans and inputs; Farmers should be encourage to utilize multiple sources of information to find out more about improved cowpea technologies. They will be able to access varieties of information as a result of this, which will help them boost their cowpea production and profits.

Effect of Designer Seeds and Fertilizer Micro-dosing on Productivity of Cowpea

An experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm of the College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Vellanikkara, Thrissur from October to December 2021. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of fertilizer micro-dosing and designer seeds on the growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp). The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (Factorial), with 3 replications. The treatments consisted of five levels of fertilizer micro-dosing (micro-dose 25%, 50%, 75% of NPK as per package of practices (POP) of KAU, NPK as per POP of KAU and absolute control) and three levels of seed treatments (designer seeds, rhizobium treated seeds, and untreated seeds). The results of the study indicated that, micro-dose and designer seeds significantly increased the biometric and yield parameters of cowpea. Among fertilizer micro-dosing, micro-dose (50 %) showed minimum days (39.78 days) to 50% flowering which was on par with micro-dose (25 %) (39.89 days). Designer seeds showed a minimum of days to 50% flowering (37.27 days) as compared to other seed treatments The combination of micro-dose (50%) along with designer seeds emerged as the most potent, yielding the highest pod weight per plant and seed yield (43.80g and 969.87kg/ha, respectively).

Development and production of cowpea inoculated with Bradyrhizobium strains in a traditional cultivation system in Southwestern Amazonia

Traditional cowpea cultivars are conserved in the Juruá Valley (Acre) by farmers who adopt a "beach" production system, in lowland areas on the banks of the Juruá River and tributaries. Cowpea inoculation is a sustainable and low-cost technique that has provided an increase in the growth and productivity of the crop, but that has not yet been tested in this production system. The objective of this work was to evaluate the development and production of cowpea inoculated with Bradyrhizobium strains in a traditional cultivation system in Southwestern Amazonia. A randomized block design with three replications and four treatments was used: seeds inoculated with strains BR 1808, BR 3262, and BR 3267, and a control without inoculation. Inoculation provided an increase in the majority of the studied variables. The productivity obtained in the treatments with BR 3262 and BR 1808 was superior to the other treatments. The strain BR 3262 showed higher levels of total chlorophyll and nitrogen. Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium proved to be a promising technology for the cultivation of cowpea beans in lowland soils of the Juruá River.

Chemical composition of the headspace volatiles of intact cowpea pods and cowpea pods infested by Riptortus dentipes and Nezara viridula pests

Volatile organic compounds are released by plants in defense against herbivory feeding by insect pests. Pod-sucking bugs can cause 30–70 % yield losses in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) which serves as a major source of rich proteins and vitamins for humans and animals, as well as a source of income for farmers. The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition of the headspace volatiles of intact cowpea pods (Vigna unguiculata) variety (Padituya), and when it is infested by two pod-sucking bugs Riptortus dentipes and Nezara viridula. Headspace volatile collection was employed to collect volatile organic compounds from the intact cowpea pods, cowpea pods infested with Riptortus dentipes, and cowpea pods infested with Nezara viridula. Entrainment was done for 96 h in each case. The entrained volatiles were analyzed by gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Analysis of GC-MS data led to the identification of 1-octen-3-ol, 3-octanol, 2-nonanone, oleic acid, octadecanoic acid and dodecanoic acid as the volatiles released by the cowpea pod without insect attack. Cowpea pods attacked by Riptortus dentipes released hexanoic acid, 3-hexenoic acid (E), hexanoic acid, 2-hexenyl hexanoate (E), 2-tridecanone, 1-(4-ethylphenyl)-ethanone and eicosanoic acid. Upon infestation with Nezara viridula, the pods released 2-pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-, 3-ethylbenzaldehyde, 1-(4-ethylphenyl)-ethanone and 2-decenyl acetate (E). With the exception of 1-(4-ethylphenyl)-ethanone, different volatile organic compounds were released by the cowpea plant against the two pests upon infestation. These compounds could be synthesized and used in integrated pest management of these pests to reduce losses in yield of cowpea production.

Understanding options for improving cowpea production under changing climatic and variability in rain-forest agroecology of Nigeria

Understanding options for improving cowpea production under changing climatic and variability in rain-forest agroecology of Nigeria

Enhancing Cowpea Productivity in the Sahel: Exploring Seed Access among Smallholder Farmers in South-Central Niger

Cowpea productivity in West Africa is low due to several challenges, including limited access to high-quality seeds. Despite the development of improved varieties, smallholder farmers face difficulties in accessing certified seeds. This study interviewed 634 households in south-central Niger to assess how farmers access cowpea seeds. Most farmers (94.6%) relied on informal seed systems, with local markets being the primary source (72.8%). The formal seed sector, including the private sector, had a limited role. Farmers typically stored seeds for seven months utilizing pesticides (54.9%) and hermetic methods (42.6%). Interestingly, the price of seeds of improved cowpea varieties in local markets was 1.19 times higher than that of local varieties, but only 25% of the cost of certified seeds. Interventions to strengthen informal seed systems and improve access to credit could enhance the adoption of high-quality cowpea seeds and increase productivity.

COWPE BEAN PRODUCTION - (VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP). A DROUGHT-RESISTANT PLANT IS VERY COMMON IN REGIONS OF THE BRAZILIAN SEMI-ARID

Cowpea is a dicotyledonous plant, originating from Africa, belonging to the order Fabales, Family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae, tribe Phaseoleae, subtribe Phaseolina, genus Vigna, species Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp, the bean is considered a plant resistant to drought and is very common in regions of the Brazilian semi-arid region. It is commonly known as cowpea, macassar bean, black-eyed pea or green bean, among others. Given this, the objective of the present study was to carry out a bibliographical review of studies published in recent years to observe the nutritional potential and its economic viability for its production. The searches were carried out in Google Scholar databases. The harvested area of cowpea in the world is approximately 11,806,648 hectares, with a production of 5,389,235 tons, with Nigeria (2,916,00 tons) and Niger (1,265,839 tons) standing out among the largest producers. Cowpea production in Brazil is concentrated in the Northeast (1.2 million hectares) and North (55.8 thousand hectares) regions, predominantly cultivated in the semi-arid hinterland of the Northeast region, cowpea is cultivated in practically all micro-regions in the state of Paraíba, with a production of 62,018 tons in an area of 186,151 hectares, ranking fourth in planted area in the Northeast. The results show that cowpea has good energy and nutritional reserves that can be used in numerous recipes, including sautéed desserts, sweets, among others. Therefore, it presents itself as a very rich and nutritious food. A visit was made to some of Felipe Rodrigues Maia’s properties, in the rural community Sítio Cedro, with geographic coordinates of 37º57’20” longitude to the west and latitude to the south of 07º44’57”. It is located approximately four kilometers from the urban area of the municipality of Princesa Isabel - PB, to learn about the forms of production cultivation and the main pests that affect plantations in the semi-arid region and how to deal with this problem, as it is a factor Knowing its forms and how to deal with pests is crucial for cultivation. In view of what was obtained in the research, beans should be included in the human diet in a complementary way, considering that the crop is quite representative in the region where it plays an effective role in the population’s diet, as it constitutes an excellent source of low-cost proteins and carbohydrates.

Identification of sources of resistance to Striga gesnerioides Willd. Vatke among cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) germplasm from Togo

AbstractStriga gesnerioides is one of the major biotic constraints to cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) production throughout West Africa. The best way to control and limit the spread of this weed remains genetic control, but recent works have shown that all cowpea varieties commonly grown in Togo are susceptible to S. gesnerioides. This study aims to investigate the resistance response of cowpea germplasm from Togo to S. gesnerioides. A field test was performed under natural infestation followed by a pots test under artificial infestation. Genotyping was carried out with three molecular markers SSR1, 61RM2 and C42‐2B, known for their linkage to S. gesnerioides resistance genes. The results have revealed three cowpea accessions, TG20_66, TG20_82 and TG20_108, phenotypically resistant to S. gesnerioides. All three resistant accessions have shown the RSG3‐301 resistance gene presence. Potential resistance gene sources to S. gesnerioides exist among cowpea accessions from Togo.