Effects Of Cowpea Research Articles

Effect of Cowpea and Pumpkin Powders on the Physicofunctional Properties, Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Consumer Acceptability of Soup.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) play a pivotal role as affordable, nutritious food sources for humans. Low-income households can significantly benefit from supplementing their diet with nutritious and cost-effective locally available ingredients. The aim of this research was to develop a cost-effective soup formulation using ingredients that are readily available from a household garden and suitable for use in the kitchens of families with limited financial resources. The effect of cowpea and pumpkin powders on physicofunctional properties, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and consumer acceptability of the soup were determined. Three composite soup mixes were prepared using various parts of cowpea and pumpkin at a ratio of 1:1. A control soup sample was developed, and the experimental soups were prepared by supplementing the control soup with 5%, 10%, or 15% of each composite soup mix, respectively. The physical properties, functional properties, TPC, AA, and consumer acceptability of soup were determined. The control soup had an appealing golden brown colour. Formulations 1 and 3 showed the highest relative viscosity (80.67-88.91 cP). All the experimental soup formulations had higher rehydration ratios (8-14.7 g/g) and water absorption capacities of 185.7-263.3 g/g compared to the control at 7.7 g/g and 65.7 g/g, respectively. The TPC of Formulation 2 (F2) (0.32-0.54 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g powder) and Formulation 3 (F3) (0.54-0.63 mg GAE/100 g powder) was higher than Formulation 1 (F1) (0.25-0.32 mg GAE/100 g powder) and the control (0.44 mg GAE/100 g powder). Overall, the cowpea seed powder plus pumpkin fruit powder added at 10% in F2 appeared nearly optimal as a soup mix. It produced an attractive golden brown soup with increased swelling power (SP) and viscosity to assist in swallowing. Soup F1 and F2 scored high in appearance (7.27 and 7.0), aroma (7.1 and 6.7), taste (6.6 and 6.3), and overall acceptability (6.5 and 6.4). Despite having TPC and AA lower compared to F3, F2 containing 15% cowpea seed powder and pumpkin fruit has the potential to be further developed and commercialised due to the relatively high overall consumer acceptability and high acceptability in all sensory attributes.

Effect of cowpea and coconut pomace flour blend on the proximate composition, antioxidant and pasting properties of maize flour

A study was conducted to improve yellow maize flour through the addition of cowpea and coconut pomace flour blends. The flours were optimized using the optimal mixture design of response surface methodology and functional properties were determined. The bulk density, swelling, water absorption, and oil absorption capacity were all significantly (p < 0.05) different. Run 1 (75% maize flour, 23.75% cowpea flour, and 1.25% coconut pomace flour), Run 2 (95% maize flour and 5% cowpea flour), Run 7 (70% maize flour and 30% cowpea flour) and Run 8 (90% maize flour, 5% cowpea flour and 5% coconut pomace flour) were selected as best overall functional properties. The selected flour blends were assessed for proximate composition, antioxidant properties, and pasting properties. Cowpea flour significantly (p < 0.05) increased crude protein content, while coconut pomace flour enhanced ash, crude fat, fiber, and energy content. The antioxidant and pasting properties showed Runs 2 and 8 with improved DPPH value and pasting properties. These flour blends might be suitable for developing complementary foods and ready-to-eat foods due to their low pasting properties.

Effects of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) inoculation on nodule development and rhizosphere carbon and nitrogen content under simulated drought

AimsInoculation with climate-adapted rhizobia is able to increase legume productivity in drought-prone regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. Enhanced nodulation might additionally affect plant-soil interactions and control rhizosphere carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools.MethodsWe investigated inoculation effects on nodulation and biological N2 fixation (BNF) of Vigna unguiculata and consequent effects on C and N pools in two Namibian soils. Three treatments (Bradyrhizobium sp.1–7 inoculant, non-inoculated, N-fertilised with 50 kg N ha−1) were applied in rhizoboxes at 45% and 20% maximum water holding capacity. Nodule development was photo-documented, and rhizobia-DNA sequences were identified. BNF was assessed by δ15N enrichment, and organic C and N pools were analysed in bulk and root adherent soil.ResultsPlant growth initially enhanced mineral N losses from the rhizosphere at flowering stage (6 weeks growth), but led to a re-increase of N, and organic C contents after ripening (10 weeks). Inoculation had no effect on nodulation and soil C and N pools, indicating that both soils contained sufficient indigenous rhizobia to allow effective nodulation. However, the inoculant strain was more competitive in establishing itself in the root nodules, depending on the local conditions, showing a need for regional adjustment of inoculation strategies.ConclusionWater stress was the main limitation for nodulation and, in combination with soil type, substantially affected rhizosphere and bulk soil C and N contents. The temporally enhanced rhizodeposition after ripening could be able to maintain soil C and N pools after legume cultivation.

Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of traditional Kırklareli meatballs with added cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) flour

The effects of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) flour on some physical, chemical, textural and sensory properties of Kırklareli meatballs were investigated. For this purpose, cowpea flour was added to the traditional Kırklareli meatball formulation in four different proportions (2, 4, 6 and 8%). As a result of the analysis on cowpea flour; pH, water activity (aw), moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate, acidity, starch, total dietary fiber, total monounsaturated fatty acids, total polyunsaturated fatty acids, total unsaturated fatty acids and total saturated fatty acids were found as 6.25, 0.52, 10.20, 20.35, 0.53, 2.94, 65.43%, 0.06, 45.09, 20.90, 5.86, 59.88, 65.74 and 34.26%, respectively. Depending on the increase in incorporation rate of cowpea flour, changes in L* (43,40-53,88), b* (13,92-18,11), pH (5,83-5,94), aw (0,96-0,98), moisture (44,03-50,63%), protein (17,70-21,89%), fat (19,49-22,97%), carbohydrate (6,77-12,11%), salt (1,28-1,74%), total dietary fiber (2,81-5,08%) values of the raw samples and a* (5,64-9,44), b* (9,77-18,06), moisture (39,27-45,24%), protein (19,92-23,45%), fat (23,08-26,19%), carbohydrate (5,92-11,30%), total dietary fiber (3,28-5,40%) values of the cooked Kırklareli meatball samples were statistically significant (P < 0.05), while the changes in weight loss, ash, free fatty acidity, texture and sensory results were found insignificant (P > 0.05). Total saturated, total unsaturated and trans fatty acid contents of cowpea flour added meatball samples were significantly (P < 0.05) different from the control samples. In the sensory analysis, meatball samples with 4% cowpea flour received the highest general acceptability score. According to the obtained data, cowpea flour can be added up to 4% on basic meat values without changing the textural and sensory properties of Kırklareli meatballs. Cowpea flour could be added as a functional ingredient in meatballs.Graphical

Effect of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) sowing season on population dynamics of pest insects

Several factors limit cowpea quality and yield, such as the choice of a cultivar better adapted to the region, the ideal sowing season, as well as diseases and pests. Aimed to evaluate the effect of different sowing seasons on the population dynamics of pest insects of cowpea crops. The study was carried out during the dry season, the rainy season, and the season recommended for sowing by the Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Amazonas (FAEXP–UFAM), Brazil. A total of 33 weekly collections were carried out during the three sowing seasons, distributed in two ways according to the phenological stage of the crop: manual collection per linear meter of plantation and entomological scanning net. The faunistic analysis detected the pest insects Acromyrmex laticeps nigrosetosus, Cerotoma arcuata, Crinocerus sanctus, Euschistus heros, Horciasinus signoreti, Liriomyza sativae, and Nezara viridula. Of these species, H. signoreti stands out for being recorded for the first time as predominant in cowpea crops in the Brazilian state of Amazonas. Infections by hemipterans such as C. sanctus, E. heros, H. signoreti, and N. viridula were detected throughout the study, regardless of the sowing season, except for H. signoreti, which was dominant in all three seasons. The highest infestation of C. arcuata occurred during the recommended sowing season for cowpeas (June to August). According to the Jaccard index, plantation I e II share 86% of the species. This study provides important information to programs in insect control and management and to the agronomic decision-making process.

Effects of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) as a Live mulch on weed management in maize cropping

Weed interference is a major constraint in maize cultivation. Living mulch as an alternative weed control strategy has been established to be environmentally safe but has not been widely used in maize cultivation. The aim of this research was to evaluate the weed management attributes of Vigna unguiculata in maize cropping. A field study was carried out in the crop garden of the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The treatments were maize interplanted with Cowpea at 20,000 (M1), 30,000 (M2), 40,000 (M3) plants/hectare, hoe weeding (M4), weedy check (M5) and Primextra-2.5 L/ha (M6). The treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design, each replicated four times. Weed Dry Weight (WDW) and Weed Control Efficiency–WCE (%) were calculated following standardized methods. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. The treatment plots were dominated by weed species in the Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae families. The M5 accounted for the highest WDW (126.30 g). The WCE was highest in M3 (94.8%) and least in M5 (66.4%). Maize and cowpea interplant at 40,000 plants/hectare suppressed weed. Hence, cowpea is an ideal weed suppressant and can be inter-planted as a cover crop in maize cropping systems.

Biochemical Investigations on Vigour Enhancement in Fresh and Aged Seeds Upon Seed Priming in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

Background: Loss in seed quality that occurs from maturity in the field to storage, leads to seed deterioration. Storage of cowpea seeds under ambient, hot and humid conditions is very problematic since these conditions deteriorate seed quality faster. Seed deterioration is associated with many metabolic defects that occur due to changes in enzyme and protein levels. Method: The present study was performed to verify the effects of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] seed priming (GA3, ammonium molybdate, Ca Cl2, KBr, Mg (NO3)2, ZnSO4, Hydro priming and dry non primed) with fresh and accelerated aged seeds.Result: The deterioration was rectified to the extent possible by the technique of seed priming. SDS PAGE profiling indicated the differential expression of proteins with seed priming. Esterase and peroxidase enzyme which were completely lost as a result of ageing showed reappearance after priming. The band intensity as well as the number of proteins induced by seed priming increased over control. Priming also restored the lost seed vigour in aged seeds due to reactivation of proteins in old seeds and expression of these proteins in priming treatments are related to priming induced proteins in contrast to their absence in the aged seeds which are necessary for germination and longevity of seeds. The present study concluded that priming with GA3 (100 ppm) and Ammonium Molybdate (10-3 M) for 24 hours in aged seeds of cowpea showed increase enzyme activity, restored almost entire protein profile and esterase and peroxidise isozyme profile as it allowed repair system to combat sub-cellular damage and activated synthesis of enzymes and proteins.

Effects of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) walp farming systems on arthropod community structure in a grassland agro-ecosystem, South Africa

Effects of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) walp farming systems on arthropod community structure in a grassland agro-ecosystem, South Africa

Effect of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Variety and Plant Spacing on Grain and Fodder Yield

A field experiment was conducted to examine the effect of plant spacing on grain and fodder yield of four cowpeas varieties. Four cowpea varieties i.e. Asetenapa, Asomdwe, Hewale and Videza were sown with three plant spacing i.e. 30 x 15 cm, 45 x 15 cm and 60 x 15 cm at Samboligo in the Bongo District of the Upper East of Ghana. The experiment was laid in randomized complete block with four replicates in factorial fashion. Cowpea variety and plant spacing significantly influenced grain yield, 1000 seed weight, nodules per plant and plant height. Plant spacing had no significant effect on stem girth, pods per plant, pod length and seed per pods. Variety ‘Hewale’ produced the highest grain yield of 991.3 kg ha-1 while Asetenapa produced the highest fodder yield of 1025.5 kg ha-1. Interactive effect between Asomdwe and 45 x 15 cm had the highest 1000 seed weight (170.6 g) while Asetenapa and 30 x 15 cm produced the highest grain yield (1072.9 kg ha-1). Variety ‘Hewale’ is recommended for commercial grain production while Asetenapa for fodder production. Asetenapa and 30 x 15 cm combination is recommended for commercial grain production.

Effect of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Pasture Grazing on Growth, Gastrointestinal Parasite Infection and Immune Response Biomarkers of Goat

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of grazing cowpea pastures on growth, parasite egg count and biomarkers of immune response in goats. Spanish and Savannah goats (n = 48) stratified by initial body weight (42.0±7.0 kg) and fecal egg count (FEC), were randomly assigned to three pasture forages (Cowpea varieties: Mississippi silver (MS), or Iron and Clay (IC) or Pearl millet (PM) as control with 4 replicates, for a 28-day feeding trial. Forage samples collected at the start of the study were analyzed for nutrients, chemical and polyphenols content. Body weight, body condition score, and fecal egg count were measured weekly. Blood was collected from goats on days 0 and 28 for PCV and white blood cell differential counts. The concentration of total proteins, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated in blood serum. Concentration of DNA isolated from fecal samples was used as a measure of gut health. Goats grazed on cowpea forage (MS and IC) had higher body weight (p = 0.01) compared to goats grazed on PM. Percent lymphocyte (p = 0.008) and neutrophil (p = 0.013) increased in MS fed goats. Goats grazed on MS pasture had decreased FEC (p = 0.03) also. Cowpea pasture grazing had no effect on serum protein concentration, PCV and BCS (p &gt; 0.05), but decreased PGE2 concentration in serum. The concentration of TAC in serum, increased at day 28 (p &lt; 0.05). The concentration of fecal microbial DNA decreased in all the treatment groups at day 28. Cowpea forage grazing had an impact on body weight, FEC, and blood serum parameters (PGE2, TAC) in goats. These results demonstrate that freshly grazed cowpea forage has potential impact and benefits on growth and health of goats. Integrating cowpea diet in goat feeding system may enhance growth performance, stimulate and prime the immune system for defense against gastrointestinal parasites.

Effects of dietary cowpea (Vigna sinensis) hay and protein level on milk yield, milk composition, N efficiency and profitability of dairy cows

Thirty-two lactating Holstein cows were grouped by days-in-milk into 8 blocks of 4 cows and fed 4 diets containing either (dry matter (DM) basis) 0 or 125g/kg of cowpea hay (Vigna sinensis), added at the expense of sorghum silage, with either low (155g/kg) or high (170g/kg) crude protein (CP) supplemented as soybean meal and distillers grains. Diets were balanced to be isoenergetic for cows weighing 540kg and producing 29kg/d of milk. Cows were milked and fed ad libitum 3 times a day. The experiment was conducted as a 4×4 Latin square design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments; periods were 21days long with 14days of adaptation and 7days of data collection and sampling. Effects of cowpea, CP and their interactions were evaluated using the mixed procedures of SAS, with either pen (traits related to intake) or cow (traits related to production) as the experimental unit. No significant effects of treatment were observed for DM intake (DMI), body weight (BW) gain, and yield of milk and milk components. However, substituting cowpea hay for a portion of the dietary sorghum silage increased milk/DMI and milk N/N intake and decreased milk urea N (MUN) and fecal N excretion, tended to decrease urinary N excretion, reduced feed cost and increased income over feed cost. Moreover, feeding of cowpea hay increased apparent total tract digestibility of DM, organic matter, CP and neutral detergent fiber. Decreasing dietary CP from 170 to 155g/kg increased Milk N/N intake and decreased MUN, urinary N, fecal N and urinary N/N intake, reduced feed cost and increased income over feed cost. Inclusion of cowpea hay in diets formulated under tropical conditions reduced the need to feed high-cost protein ingredients, improved feed and N efficiency, and reduced risk of N pollution.

Effects of Cowpea, Yeast and Trisodium Hydrogen Dicarbonate Dehydrate [Na3CO3.HCO3.2H2O] Levels on Proximate and Mineral Composition of Yar’tsala, a Traditional Rice-based Snack of Northern Nigeria

Effects of Cowpea, Yeast and Trisodium Hydrogen Dicarbonate Dehydrate [Na3CO3.HCO3.2H2O] Levels on Proximate and Mineral Composition of Yar’tsala, a Traditional Rice-based Snack of Northern Nigeria

Effect of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) extract on leptin serum levels, weight of visceral fat and visceral fat levels of MDA in Rattus norvegicus treated with DMPA

The purpose of this study was to show the effect of extracts of cowpea on leptin serum levels, fat weight and visceral fat levels of MDA in Rattus norvegicus exposed to DMPA. This study used a true experimental design approach using a post test only control group design. The animals used were Wistar Rattus norvegicus with measurements of serum leptin using the Elisa test technique. The fat was weighed and used for examinations of the MDA level in visceral fat. The measurement method of visceral fat MDA-586 was done using a kit bioassay. There were significant differences in the mean levels of leptin and fat loss as a result of cowpea extract in Treatment 2 and Treatment 3. There were significant differences in fat MDA as a consequence of cowpea extract in each treatment group. The extract of cowpea had also some influence on serum leptin level decrease, on the weight of visceral fat and the visceral fat levels of MDA in Rattus norvegicus treated with DMPA.

Microarray analysis of the effect of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) phenolic extract in bovine peripheral blood

ABSTRACTIn this study, the effect of polyphenolic extracts from cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) on global gene expression in bovine peripheral blood was investigated. Blood collected from Holstein-Friesian cows (n = 10) was treated with 10 µg/mL of cowpea phenolic extract (CPE) and subsequently used for transcriptional profiling using the Agilent bovine (v2) 4 × 44 K array. Calculation of fold change in gene expression and pathway analysis was conducted using the GeneSpring GX software 13.0. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to validate the microarray data. Phenolic extracts of cowpea impacted global gene expression and resulted in 3170 differentially expressed genes (p < .05); 1716 genes were upregulated and 1454 genes were downregulated. Exposure to CPE impacted 66 pathways (p < .05) including the Wnt signalling pathway, Toll-like receptor pathway, inflammation response pathway, MAPK cascade pathway, prostaglandin synthesis and regulation pathway, cell cycle pathway, insulin signalling pathway, and the adipogenesis pathway. Expression of immune markers such as CD40, CD68, Toll-like receptors, and Wnt signalling changed. Exposure to CPE modulated expression of genes associated with immunity and homeostasis. Transcriptional profiles of the response to polyphenols may aid in the design of targeted diets to influence animal production and health and thus requires further study.

Influence of Management Practices on Selected Cowpea Growth Attributes and Soil Organic Carbon

&lt;p&gt;Cowpea is a multi-purpose nitrogen fixing crop that can be grown as a vegetable, grain legume and a fodder. The objectives of this study were to investigate the growth response of cowpea to different cropping systems at different locations and determine nitrogen fertilization on cowpea growth and soil organic carbon content. Three cropping systems were used, namely, maize-cowpea rotation, cowpea monocropping and maize-cowpea intercropping at three locations (Potchefstroom, Taung, and Rustenburg) in South Africa during 2011/12 and 2012/13 planting seasons. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at two rates where no application was the control at all locations and application according to soil analysis recommendation for maize requirement was applied at each location. The variables measured for cowpea growth were days to 100% flowering and physiological maturity, number of leaves and nodules per cowpea plant. Soil organic carbon was determined for each treatment. The results showed that, maize-cowpea rotation and monocropping reached days to 100% flowering and maturity significantly earlier compared to intercropping. Cowpea planted at Potchefstroom and Rustenburg reached days to 100% flowering and physiological maturity significantly earlier than cowpea planted at Taung. Cowpea planted at Taung had significantly higher number of nodules per plant than cowpea planted at Potchefstroom and Rustenburg. There was also a positive correlation between soil organic carbon and cowpea growth. It is concluded that the positive effect of cowpea in agronomic systems is enhanced by the correct cropping system, although it is affected by location.&lt;/p&gt;

Effects of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) root mucilage on microbial community response and capacity for phenanthrene remediation

Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is normally limited by their low solubility and poor bioavailability. Prior research suggests that biosurfactants are synthesized as intermediates during the production of mucilage at the root tip. To date the effects of mucilage on PAH degradation and microbial community response have not been directly examined. To address this question, our research compared 3 cowpea breeding lines (Vigna unguiculata) that differed in mucilage production for their effects on phenanthrene (PHE) degradation in soil. The High Performance Liquid Chromatography results indicated that the highest PHE degradation rate was achieved in soils planted with mucilage producing cowpea line C1, inoculated with Bradyrhizobium, leading to 91.6% PHE disappearance in 5weeks. In root printing tests, strings treated with mucilage and bacteria produced larger clearing zones than those produced on mucilage treated strings with no bacteria or bacteria inoculated strings. Experiments with 14C-PHE and purified mucilage in soil slurry confirmed that the root mucilage significantly enhanced PHE mineralization (82.7%), which is 12% more than the control treatment without mucilage. The profiles of the PHE degraders generated by Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis suggested that cowpea C1, producing a high amount of root mucilage, selectively enriched the PHE degrading bacteria population in rhizosphere. These findings indicate that root mucilage may play a significant role in enhancing PHE degradation and suggests that differences in mucilage production may be an important criterion for selection of the best plant species for use in phytoremediation of PAH contaminated soils.

Effect of Cowpea (Vigna sinensis L.) with Maize (Zea mays L.) Intercropping on Yield and Its Components

Effect of Cowpea (Vigna sinensis L.) with Maize (Zea mays L.) Intercropping on Yield and Its Components

Effect of Different Cropping Conditions, Depth of Burial, Age of Seeds, and Allelopathic Effect of Different Crops on the Germination Behavior of Little Seed Canary Grass (Phalaris Minor Retz.) Seeds

AbstractPot culture experiments were conducted to find out the effect of different cropping conditions, depth of burial and age of seeds on the survival of little seed canary grass (Phalaris minorRetz.) seeds. The results indicated that the soil temperature modifications through the flooding or filed capacity moisture status of the soil influenced the germination and viability of the buried weed seeds rather than the cropsper se. It was observed that the seeds lost their viability because of the anaerobic conditions and high temperatures and through increased membrane permeability of the seeds. TheP. minorRetz. seeds were found to be sensitive to anaerobic conditions. The longevity of seeds buried in rice-wheat system and Flooding-wheat system was found low when compared to those buried under soybean-wheat and field capacity-wheat conditions. Thein situeffect of rainy season (kharif) crops was found to confine to influencing the initial germination (vigor) of the little seed canary grass with cowpea, groundnut, soybean and sunflower inhibiting the initial germination of little seed canary grass. This inhibition was absent at the end of germination counts taken after twenty days after keeping for germination. The residual effect of cowpea, rice, soybean and sunflower was observed. The application of pearl millet and rice residues has considerably reduced the little seed canary grass germination, plant height, seedling fresh weight and leaf area at thirty days after sowing.

Effect of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) intercropping on weed biomass and maize (Zea mays) yield

Field experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) density (0, 15 or 30 plants/m2) and sowing date (15 days prior to maize sowing or simultaneously with maize), and of maize (Zea mays) planting density (7.5 or 9 plants/m2) on weed biomass and maize crop yield. Results showed that increasing the maize density from 7.5 to 9 plants/m2 reduced the weed biomass by 21.5%. Furthermore, cowpea acted as a living mulch, reducing weed biomass by up to 45.5% and 39.6% when intercropped with maize at a density of 7.5 and 9 plants/m2, respectively. Under weed-free conditions, an increase in maize density from 7.5 to 9 plants/m2 resulted in maize grain yield increasing from 8.92 to 9.40 t/ha; however, the addition of cowpea only increased the maize grain yield by about 4.2%, on average, under these conditions. By contrast, under weed-infested conditions, there was a large decrease in maize grain yield (up to 32%), but intercropping with cowpea reduced this to only a 16% decrease. Under weed-free conditions, there was no effect of sowing date on maize grain yield; however, under weed-infested conditions, yield was greater on the second sowing date. Thus, it is concluded that the planting of maize at a density of 9 plants/m2 and simultaneously intercropping with cowpea at a density of 30 plants/m2 could be an appropriate control measure for weed suppression.

The effect of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) flour as an extender on the physic-chemical properties of beef and hamburgers

This study was conducted in search of meat extenders/filler, which would minimize excessive bulging (swelling at the centre) of beef and hamburgers so as to enhance their use in sandwiches. The potential of dehulled cowpea flour was evaluated in beef and hamburgers, to determine its effects on the sensory, physical and chemical characteristics of these products. The Black-eyed cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) variety was steam treated at 100°C, dehulled, sundried for 48 hours and ground into flour. Boneless beef and pork (6kg each) were minced and apportioned into four groups of 1.5kg each for the preparation of the burgers. The beef and hamburgers were formulated separately at four levels of cowpea flour inclusions; T1 (control; no cowpea flour), T2 (5%), T3 (7.5%) and T4 (10%) of minced meat, on weight basis. All other ingredients were added in equal amounts to the minced beef and mixed in a mechanical mixer, after which they were moulded manually using a cylindrical tube into uniform shapes and sizes, and stored in a chest freezer for 12 hours to harden, after which they were bagged and stored for analyses. The weights, thicknesses and diameters of the products were taken before, and after cooking to determine the physical changes in them. The crude protein, fat moisture and lipid peroxidation of the products were determined. The burgers were grilled in an oven to a core temperature of 70°C and served to a 15-member taste panel for evaluation. The results indicate that cowpea flour in burgers increases the crude protein content, reduces the crude fat content and has no negative effect on sensory and lipid peroxidation of these products. There were reductions in product bulging and shrinkage with an increase in cowpea flour inclusion. Cowpea flour is recommended for inclusion in beef and hamburgers up to 10% on weight basis.