Cowpea Production Research Articles

Pest categorisation of cowpea mosaic virus.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health conducted a pest categorisation of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) for the EU territory. The identity of CPMV, a member of the genus Comovirus (family Secoviridae), is established and detection and identification methods are available. The pathogen is not included in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. It has been reported from the Americas, and several countries in Africa and Asia and it is not known to be present in the EU in natural conditions. CPMV is considered a major pathogen of cowpea on which it causes symptoms ranging from mild to severe mosaic, chlorosis and necrosis. The virus has been reported sporadically on some other cultivated species of the family Fabaceae, including soybean and some common bean varieties. CPMV is transmitted by cowpea seeds, with uncertainty on the transmission rate. There is uncertainty on seed transmission by other Fabaceae host species due to lack of information. CPMV is also transmitted by several beetle species, one of which, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is present in the EU. Seeds for sowing of cowpea are identified as the major entry pathway. The cultivated area and production of cowpea in the EU territory are mainly limited to local varieties cultivated at a small scale in Mediterranean EU Member States. Should the pest establish in the EU, an impact is expected on cowpea crops at local scale. There is high uncertainty on the potential impact that CPMV would cause on other natural hosts cultivated in the EU due to the lack of information from the areas of CPMV's current distribution. Despite the uncertainty concerning the potential impact on bean and soybean crops in the EU, CPMV satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Smallholder farmers practices of crops livestock integration in the district of Aguié (Niger): Agricultural production and livestock feed

Crop production and livestock are main economic activities of most populations in Maradi region. The objective of this work is to study agricultural production and livestock feeding in terms of farming practices of crops livestock integration in 4 villages of Aguié. The results of surveys randomly conducted on a sample of 78 farmers showed that farmers were categorized into two groups, which are farmers (67%) and agro-pastoralists (33%). However, the multivariate analysis of data highlighted existence of three categories of agro-pastoralist farmers, distinct in terms of their means of existence and levels of integration. It was counted 21% of population who have plows and seeders, while 51% have carts. According to distribution of oxen in farms, a proportion of 51% were small farms have no draft oxen, while 45% of farms have a draft oxen, 3 % of farms have a pair of oxen and 1 % of farms has five (5) draft oxen. Cereal production in Kg is 862 ± 419 for Small Farms (SF); 1008 ± 132.7 for Medium Farms (MF) and 5748 ± 4068 for Big Farms (BF). As for production (Kg) of legumes; SF produce on average 293 ±139.3, MF 452 ± 123.7 and the BF 991 ± 208.5. With regard to sales and self-consumption of cereals and legumes, BF carry out these practices in large quantities. In MF, for a millet production of 4,155.99 ± 613.49 kg, the millet stovers are 2,068.85 ± 305.39 kg. Cowpea production in BF is 359.08 ±135.25 kg for 65.64 ± 24.72 kg of cowpea haulms. The sorghum stovers for BF, MF and SF is respectively 566.2; 276.8 and 125.2 kg with land capital in Ha of 8.1 (BF), 3 (MF) and 1.8 (SF). Despite fodder available which is 2,227.5 kg for 0.58 TLU in the SF; 2,441.1 kg for 1.63 TLU at the MF level and 4,414.5 kg for 3.03 TLU, fodder balance is in deficit in all farms according to fodder requirement (Kg/270 days).

HOW USING WEATHER AND CLIMATE INFORMATION SERVICES MAY IMPACT FARM PRODUCTIVITY AND TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY: EVIDENCE FROM COWPEA AND SESAME PRODUCERS IN BURKINA FASO

Weather and climate information services (WCIS) are recognized as a powerful tool to support the management of climate risk in the context of climate variability. However, the picture of its value for agriculture is not yet well evaluated. This study used the Average Treatment Effect (ATE) framework to assess the impact of WCIS use on yield, income and technical efficiency of cowpea and sesame production in Burkina Faso. The study involved 170 farmers from 17 villages including 11 experimental villages exposed to WCIS and 6 control villages not exposed. The study found that farmers exposed to WCIS changed their crop management’s practices. A significant number of farmers used forecasts of the rainy season’ length and the onset date to choose which crop and variety to grow, which location and size of plots to crop. Daily forecast information was used for farm crop operations (choosing the date of land preparation, sowing, fertilizing, weeding, etc.), while the seasonal forecast was used for strategic decision (selection of crop and production site location). The use of farm inputs and labor requirements are different between climate-informed farmers and non-exposed farmers, the latter farmers tending to use more labor. The study showed that cowpea producers using WCIS obtained significantly higher yields (848[Formula: see text]kg/ha on an average compared to 675[Formula: see text]kg/ha for non-WCIS users); higher gross margin (34% higher than non-users). However, the impact of WCIS was not significant for sesame production. This may translate the strong linkage and dependence of the effectiveness of using WCIS with other factors than just climate variability, particularly the ability of the farmer to understand and apply relevant agro-met-advisories and crop–soil–water attributes.

Combining Ability of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) Genotypes for Resistance to Cowpea Bacterial Blight in Uganda

The low productivity of cowpea is partly attributed to a number of constraints including diseases such as cowpea bacterial blight (CoBB). Cowpea bacterial blight has the capacity to cause up to 92% yield loss under severe infections. The objective of this study was to determine the combining ability for resistance to CoBB among cowpea genotypes in Uganda. Nine selected parents were crossed to produce 63 progenies. F1 progenies were evaluated and data gathered included days to 50% flowering, CoBB disease scores and grain yield. The mean squares for rAUDPC due to GCA and SCA effects were significant (P≤0.001) and non-significant respectively. The broad sense coefficient of genetic determination (BCGD) and narrow sense coefficient of genetic determination (NCGD) were 44.3% and 29.1% respectively for rAUDPC. Parents WC 26 (-0.023) and NE 31 (-0.035) had highly significant negative GCA effects for rAUDPC and were therefore good general combiners for this trait. Crosses SECOW 3B x ACC 26 X SECOW 1T and WC 26 x NE 32 had negative significant SCA effect for rAUDPC with a values of -0.073 and -0.06, respectively while Crosses ACC 26 x SECOW 1T x NE 40 (-0.07) and NE 40 x WC 26 (-0.06) had significant negative reciprocal effects for rAUDPC. This study revealed that genetic inheritance for cowpea bacterial blight was controlled predominantly by additive gene effects. Parents WC 26 and NE 31 identified as good general combiners for resistance to CoBB could be utilized as sources of resistance while Crosses SECOW 3B x ACC 26 X SECOW 1T, WC 26 x NE 32, ACC 26 X SECOW 1T x NE 40 and NE 40 x WC 26 that were the best specific combiners for resistance to CoBB could be put under further evaluation as potential varieties.

Biological Nitrogen Fixation of Cowpea in a No-Till Intercrop under Contrasting Rainfed Agro-Ecological Environments

Nitrogen (N) availability under no-till intercropping systems has not been widely investigated in diverse agro-ecological regions in Limpopo Province. Two seasons of rainfed experiments were conducted during 2018/19 and 2020/21 in a 2 × 4 × 2 factorial design to measure the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) ability of cowpea in an intercropping system with four grain sorghum cultivars at two test locations, Ofcolaco and Syferkuil, of Limpopo Province using the natural abundance technique. The cowpea nitrogen isotope composition (δ 15N‰) ranged from 0.2 ‰ to 4‰ at Ofcolaco, whereas at Syferkuil, the range was 2 ‰ to 7 ‰. The N derived from air (Ndfa) was from 35% to 92% at Ofcolaco and 4% to 70% at Syferkuil during the two cropping seasons. The amount of N2 fixed across locations and seasons ranged from 1 kg ha−1 to 71 kg ha−1. In the intercropping system, cowpea fixed more N at higher densities compared with lower densities at the two experimental sites. Biomass was significantly correlated with N accumulated by cowpea (r2 > 0.9) at all locations and across seasons. N accumulated in sole cultures was 30% more at Ofcolaco and 36% more at Syferkuil compared with binary cultures. Furthermore, the treatment combination, cowpea density, as well as cropping system, significantly affected N fixation and accumulation. For high productivity, cowpea intercrop with grain sorghum cultivar Enforcer is recommended, as both crops complemented each other when intercropped. The research should investigate further the root distribution and biomass production of sorghum and cowpea, as well as their impact on N intake.

Evaluation of Source and Sink Capacity of New Cowpea Varieties

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is a perennial species originating from sub-Saharan Africa. Cowpea has long been cultivated in Indonesia and is classified as a species tolerant of drought and acid soil. Cowpea shows its adaptation to acidic soil (pH = 4.83) by being able to produce 50% to 60% of the seed weight under optimum conditions. This enhances the potential of cowpea to be used and developed as one of the current food options. This research was carried out to optimise of cowpea productivity by studying the relationship between the source and sink of cowpea. This research was conducted from December 2020 to March 2021 at the Cikabayan experimental station, Bogor Agricultural University. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized block design. Four cowpea varieties were evaluated, “Albina”, “Arghavan”, and “Uno”. The measured parameters consisted of photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, plant growth rate, the net assimilation rate of the number of pods, pod weight, number of seeds per pod, dry seed weight, the weight of 100-seeds, and productivity. The cowpea varieties did not show significant differences in the rate of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, plant growth rate, and net assimilation rate. Photosynthesis rate in the three cowpea varieties ranged from 29.20 to 31.77 mol. m⁻².s⁻1 at 50% flowering, and from 17.01 to 19.79 mol.m⁻².s⁻1 at the first harvest. The three cowpea varieties in this study showed no differences in their source-sink capacity and productivity.

IMPACT OF TILLAGE PRACTICES ON PROPERTIES OF SOIL, EVAPOTRANSPIRATION AND PRODUCTIVITY OF COWPEA IN NIGERIA

<p><strong>Background</strong>: Tillage is one of the major threats to soil health which often results into soil physical degradation if not properly managed. Zero tillage is an alternative option from both economic and environmental protection of our soil resources points of view. <strong>Objective. </strong>To evaluate responses of cowpea (<em>Vigna unguiculata</em>) yield and evapotranspiration to different tillage practices.<strong> Methodology</strong>. The study was conducted in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Osun State, Nigeria using a replicated randomized complete block design with treatments consisting of Zero-tillage (ZT), Reduced tillage (RT), Conventional tillage + Mulch (CT + ML) and Conventional tillage (CT). <strong>Results. </strong>Soil penetration resistance (SPR) increased with the degree of soil manipulation during tillage practices. Penetration resistance (PR) across 15-30 cm in 2019 alone resulted in higher PR of 2.26 MPa for RT compared to 0.71, 0.72 and 0.79 MPa for ZT, CT + (ML and CT), respectively, approximately 218 %, 213 % and 186 % greater in RT than ZT, CT + ML and CT respectively. <strong>Implications. </strong>Cowpea production on sandy loam soil can be optimized with Zero tillage. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> Over a period of two years, ZT practice had the highest profit margin of $ 573, among the practices. </p>

The Genome of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli Provides Insight into the Evolution of Genomes and Effectors of Fusarium oxysporum Species.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli, the causal agent of cowpea fusarium wilt, is a serious threat to cowpea production in China. In this study, a sample of cowpea fusarium wilt was identified as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli using the methods of morphological characters and molecular detection. We further reported the first genome assembly for Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli, with 53.7 Mb genome sequence comprising 14,694 genes. Comparative genomic analysis among five Fusarium oxysporum genomes showed that four accessory chromosomes in the five Fusarium oxysporum display similar characteristics, with low sequence similarity (55.35%, vs. overall average of 81.76%), low gene density (2.18 genes/10 kb vs. 3.02 genes/Mb) and highly transposable element density (TEs) (15.01/100 kb vs. 4.89/100 kb), indicating that variable accessory chromosomes are the main source of Fusarium oxysporum evolution. We identified a total of 100 Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli-specific effectors in the genome and found 13 specific effector genes located in large insertion or deletion regions, suggesting that insertion or deletion events can cause the emergence of species-specific effectors in Fusarium oxysporum. Our genome assembly of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli provides a valuable resource for the study of cowpea fusarium wilt, and the comparative genomic study of Fusarium oxysporum could contribute to the knowledge of genome and effector-associated pathogenicity evolution in Fusarium oxysporum study.

Crop establishment methods and weed management on productivity of cowpea

Crop establishment methods and weed management on productivity of cowpea

Coinoculação com Bradyrhizobium ssp. e Azospirillum brasilense em feijão caupi sob estresse salino

ABSTRACT Plants grown under salinity are subject to many morphological and physiological disorders. In this context, practices that can enable the use of saline water are essential. The deleterious effects of salinity can be mitigated by using beneficial microorganisms, especially diazotrophic bacteria. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of bacterial inoculation and co-inoculation using Bradyrhizobium spp. and Azospirillum brasilense on the growth, nodulation and production of cowpea under salt stress. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design, in a 4 × 5 factorial arrangement, corresponding to four nitrogen sources (N1 - without nitrogen and without inoculant; N2 - fertilization with mineral nitrogen and without inoculant; N3 - inoculation of Bradyrhizobium spp.; and N4 - co-inoculation of Bradyrhizobium spp. and Azospirillum brasilense) and five values of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.4, 1.9, 3.4, 4.9 and 6.4 dS m-1), with five replicates. Co-inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and Bradyrhizobium spp. favors the growth, production and nodulation of cowpea plants up to ECw of 0.4 dS m-1. Increase in the electrical conductivity of irrigation water negatively affects the growth, production and nodulation of cowpea plants in Corujinha variety, regardless of the nitrogen source used.

Growth and yield attributes of cowpea accessions grown under different soil amendments in a derived Savannah zone

<abstract> <p>Malnutrition and severe food insecurity are on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa. Cowpea (<italic>Vigna unguiculata</italic> L.), an indigenous plant from Africa with a good nutritional composition, can be a strategic tool in the fight against hunger. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the yield response of different cowpea accessions to soil amendments. The study adopted a 5 × 4 factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The factors comprise five cowpea accessions (BBL, BBR, BCB, EBL and EBC) and four soil amendments (poultry manure [PoM], pig manure [PgM], NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer and control). There are significant differences among the cowpea accessions in all the studied attributes. The stability and mean performance analyses revealed that the top-ranked accessions were EBL and EBC, while BBL, BBR and BCB were below the population mean. The ranking order of the soil amendments was PoM > PgM > population mean > NPK > control. Accession EBL amended with PoM gave the highest plant weight (106.4 g), which was statistically similar to the same accessions amended with NPK (104.9 g) and PgM (100.4 g), but significantly higher than the other treatment combinations. Plant weight has a significant and positive correlation with pod length (r = 0.919**), number of leaves (0.623**), vine length (0.361**) and hundred seed weight (0.329*). The findings of this study showed that cowpea accessions responded differently to the soil amendments. This study recommends the use of additional nutrients as a supplement in the production of cowpea rather than relying solely on its self-fixed nitrogen.</p> </abstract>

Humic and fulvic acid influence the morphophysiological and biochemical properties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) under water deficit

Context Water deficit is a limiting factor in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) performance. Humic and fulvic acids are organic fertilisers that increase plant productivity and appear as a viable alternative to improve cowpea productivity under water deficit. Aim We evaluated the efficiency of humic and fulvic acid on the morphophysiological and biochemical properties of cowpea subjected to water deficit. Methods The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. A completely randomised design was adopted in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with four replications, with five doses of humic and fulvic acid, 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 mL/L applied to plants irrigated at 100% and 25% of field capacity. Stomatal conductance (gs), water potential (Pw), plant height (H), stem diameter (SD), number of leaves (NL), number of root nodules (NR), fresh and dry weight of the aerial (FMA and DMA) and root (FMR and DMR), total soluble proteins (SP) and total phenolic compounds (PC). Key results Doses of 8 and 12 mL/L increased gs (100–200 mmol m2 s−1), reduced Pw (−0.9 MPa) and NR, increased FMR and DMR (20 and 10 g), SP (8–9 g) in stressed and non-stressed individuals. Conclusions Intermediate doses of humic and fulvic acid (12 mL/L) are recommended for cowpea production in dry regions. Implications Humic and fulvic acid together are viable alternatives for optimising agricultural production and decision making in semi-arid regions.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF PLANT EXTRACTS (Cassia nigricans, Azadiracta indica and Carapa procera) AGAINST INSECTS (Aphis craccivora and Maruca vitrata) OF COWPEA IN A CROPPING SYSTEM IN MALI

Cowpea Vigna unguiculata L. Walpers (Fabaceae) is one of the main seed legumes produced and consumed in the world and particularly in West Africa precisely in Mali. In Mali, the cultivation of sorghum and cowpea in association occupies an important place in agriculture and contributes to achieving food and nutritional security in the country. Cowpea is an important source of vegetable protein. This crop is faced with many biotic (insects) and abiotic (drought) problems. The attack of pests (insects) can completely reduce the production of cowpea. Most farmers use chemicals to reduce these pests. While these chemicals (insecticides) have a negative impact on human health and that of the ecosystem. Aphids (Aphis craccivora) and Marucas (Maruca vitrata) can cause yield losses of up to 80%. Finding alternatives to synthetic pesticides is therefore a major challenge for the design of cropping systems. The study was carried out at the Sotuba agronomic research station for two years. Three varieties of cowpea (Sangaranka, djiguifa and Ghana Shoba) were planted in split plot in pure culture and in association with sorghum (Tiandougou coura). Three (3) products (Azadiracta indica and Cassia nigricans leaf, Carapa procera oil) and two controls (optimal K and without treatment) were used against Aphis craccivora and Maruca vitrata of cowpea. Observations focused on the number of Maruca vitrata and Aphis craccivora colonies before and after each treatment, the weight (pod, grain, haulm). The data was analyzed with GENSTAT Release 12.1 of the 12th edition of 2012. Zarama(Cassia nigricans) extract was the most effective among the others after the first treatment on Aphis and Maruca with a count average of 1.44 and 1.33 respectively of these two insects. The best grain yield was recorded in the same Sangaraka variety (1623 kg.ha-1) by treatment with Neem extract (Azadiracta indica), i.e. an increase of 8.1%.

Enhancing cowpea production through breeding efforts for aphid (aphis crassivora koch) resistance: a review

Enhancing cowpea production through breeding efforts for aphid (aphis crassivora koch) resistance: a review

Breeding implications of nodulation performance and root structure under natural inoculation for soil fertility enhancement and sustainable cowpea production

Nitrogen deficiency is the most limiting abiotic stress factor affecting the grain yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. Breeding for high-yielding potential in association with high nitrogen fixation performance is the principal objective of cowpea breeding programs to improve both the productivity and production of this orphan crop in the region. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the diversity of genotypes for nodulation capacity in two environments and to understand the root architecture and morphology of genotypes as well as grain yield and yield-related traits in 324 cowpea genotypes. The experiment was conducted in two different environments during the 2017 cropping season. The experiments were laid out in 18 × 18 simple lattice design. Grain yield exhibited highly significant and positive genotypic correlations with stem diameter, basal root length of 1st whorls, basal root branching density, taproot length and adventitious root length, demonstrating that selection of cowpea genotypes based on these traits could be effective to capitalize on grain yield under low nitrogen conditions. Days to flowering, days to maturity, stem diameter, 1st whorl angle, basal root length of 1st whorls, basal root branching density, taproot length, adventitious root diameter and adventitious root length had significant and positive genotypic correlations with days to maturity. The first ten principal components (PC) explained 65.13% of the total variation. Stem diameter, taproot width, and taproot length traits were important contributors to the variability in the first PC. The highest inter-cluster distance (D2) was recorded between clusters III and IV. However, clusters II and V recorded the minimum inter-cluster distance (78.96 units). The range of intra-cluster distance was 24.22–5,112.92 units, indicating that the high genetic distance displayed within and between clusters has to be exploited via crossing and selecting the most divergent parents for future cowpea improvement. Five clusters of cowpea genotypes were evident, and within the clusters, the genotypes had good nodulation potential with high grain yield traits, which could significantly contribute to SSA food and nutritional security. Moreover, it can contribute to resilience and improve crop production and sustainability under marginal environmental conditions.

Improving the Photosynthetic Efficiency and Productivity of Cowpea in Sub Saharan Africa: A Review

Recent studies have found compelling evidence that enhancing photosynthetic mechanisms through genetic engineering can increase crop yield potential. This paper focuses on cowpea productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa, its importance, factors limiting photosynthetic potential, and techniques towards boosting cowpea photosynthetic efficiency. High light intensity, low temperature, low CO2 environment, and water scarcity have all been identified as key limiting factors for crop photosynthetic efficiency. Deactivation of Rubisco functioning in shade has also been noted to reduce cowpea photosynthetic potential. However, recent successes have been observed through genetic manipulation of photosynthesis traits so as to improve photosynthetic efficiency and yield under control conditions with considerable increase in yield from 14 to 40%. Thus, improving photosynthesis has the potential to increase crop productivity.

Identification of sources of resistance in cowpea lines to Macrophomina root rot disease in Northern Ghana

Macrophomina root rot disease (MRRD) caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is an emerging threat to the profitable cowpea production in northern Ghana.Recommended control methods including the use of fungicides are ineffective and expensive for resource poor farmers whilst biocontrol options are not commercially available. An integrated method based on host plant resistance is considered the cheapest and most effective method of managing the disease. This study sought to confirm and characterize previously identified MRRD isolates from Northern Ghana using molecular technology, and to identify cowpea with potential sources of resistance to the MRRD. A PCR assay of ten isolates of the cowpea root rot pathogen revealed all isolates belonged to the species M. phaseolina, whilst a nucleotide BLAST of eight isolates showed 98% similarity with the sequences of Macrophomina isolates from other host available in GenBank. A sick pot method evaluation of 49 cowpea lines found 10 lines resistant to MRRD on a 1–9 disease severity scale (disease score, less than 5). A selection of eight resistant lines (Suvita 2, Abagbaala, IT97K573-1-1, IT93K-503-1-1, Hewale, AV2 3224, Nhyira and T2T4), and a susceptible check (Songotra) were evaluated against 10 isolates of M. phaseolina using a sick pot method. All the genotypes except for the susceptible check were resistant to MRRD. Thus, these genotypes could be used in cowpea MRRD resistance breeding programs.

Molecular Characterization of Fusarium and Screening of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] Germplasms against Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Tracheiphilum)

Background: Fusarium wilt caused by fungal pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum is one of the soil-borne diseases that cause 30 to 100% yield reduction with high plant mortality and severe problem in cowpea production. Methods: The Fusarium spp. isolate was obtained from infected cowpea plants and morphological and molecular characterization were done using universal primers. Similarity and phylogenetic evolutionary relationship analysis were performed with database. The fusarium wilt symptoms occurrence in each germplasm were scored using disease rating scale by artificial inoculation of 10% culture. Result: Isolated Fusarium spp. was an anamorphic species with medium growth rate (5 mm/day), characterised by white cottony to pinkish colonies, aseptate microconidia (12.879×3.570 µm) with false head, septate macroconidia (32.409×5.297 µm) along with chlamydospores. While, 90-100% homology was observed between isolate (Accession no: MZ706473) and fusarium reference database. Phylogenetic evolutionary analysis showed that the isolate was closely related to F. oxysporum (OL679453.1) strain supported by 52% bootstrap. Artificial screening of 115 cowpea germplasm under pot culture, identified 18 resistant lines with 0% symptoms. The wilting intensity was maximum during flowering or pod stage than seedling stage in cowpea. The identified resistant cowpea varieties could be used as donor parent in future resistant breeding programmes.

Effect of NP fertilization and stress-mitigating chemicals on productivity and profitability of summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) intensified with baby corn (Zea mays)

A field study was carried out during the summer seasons of 2019 and 2020 at research farm of Agriculture University, Kota, Rajasthan, to study the effect of NP fertilization and stress mitigating chemicals on productivity and profitability of summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) and baby corn (Zea mays L.) intercropping system. The experiment was conducted in a split-split plot design with 5 intercropping systems [sole cowpea, sole baby corn, cowpea + baby corn (2: 1), (3: 1) and (4: 1)] in main plot; 3 fertility levels (100, 125 and 150% RDF) in sub-plot and 2 stress-mitigating chemicals (0.5% CaCl2 and 1.0% KNO3 at flowering and pod development stage of cowpea) in sub-subplot, replicated 4 times. Intercropping in 2:1 row ratio of cowpea and baby corn significantly increased the cowpea equivalent-yield, monetary advantage index, land equivalent ratio and economics of intercropping system while the yield of cowpea and baby corn was significantly higher under their sole crops. In sub-plots cowpea-equivalent yield, land-equivalent ratio, monetary advantage index, profitability, seed and cob yield of cowpea, and baby corn were higher with the fertility level of 150% over lower levels. Our results further indicated that 0.5% of CaCl2 significantly enhanced the cowpea-equivalent yield, monetary advantage index and economics of intercropping system and yield of cowpea and baby corn over 1% KNO3. Cowpea should be intercropped as 2:1 row ratio with fertilization of 150% RDF and foliar application of CaCl2 @0.5% at flowering and pod development stage of cowpea is recommended to achieve significantly higher productivity and profitability.

Socio-Economic Constraints of Adopting New Cowpea Varieties in Three Agro-Ecological Zones in the Senegalese Peanut Basin

Socio-economic constraints like gender, education, age, and income significantly affect the adoption of improved agricultural technologies. The objective of this study was to determine socio-economic factors that affect the adoption of improved cowpea varieties in the Senegalese peanut basin. The study was conducted in three (Bambey, Kebemer, and Kaffrine) of six regions of the peanut basin based on regional importance of cowpea production and rainfall gradient. In each study region, ten villages were selected, and random sampling was used to select eight heads of agricultural households within each village. The questionnaires were administered to 240 randomly selected farmers across the three study regions, 7 communes, and 30 villages. Results showed most heads of households were middle-aged (52–54 years old), married (95–100%), illiterate (84%), and men (95–100%). Households were mostly agriculture dependent (87%), low literacy rates (26% least primary school), and large family sizes (average of 15 members). The median cowpea yields across the study area varied from 35–100 kg ha−1, well below the ~300–400 kg ha−1 average yields reported for Senegal and Sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of farmers (67%) in the study regions did not use improved varieties, and the main reasons were low seed availability (78.8%) and limited access to technical knowledge and information (76.3%), but only 5.8% indicated seed price as a barrier to improved variety adoption. Major uses of cowpea in the study area were for marketing, livestock feed, and human consumption. In Kaffrine, fodder production was the major (85%) criterion for cowpea variety selection, whereas in the north (Bambey and Kebemer), taste, maturity date, and grain yield were major selection criteria. Factors that had positive effect on the likelihood of using improved cowpea varieties include; access to extension services, membership in farmers’ organization, cowpea being the main crop of production, organic farming, market, and livestock-oriented production systems, access to farmland and credit, dependence on agriculture as the main source of household income, and education of head of household. We conclude that there is a critical need for training, access to improved seeds, awareness, and financial support to producers to increase the adoption of new improved cowpea varieties, yields, profitability, and nutritional security among smallholder farmers in the Senegalese peanut basin.