Growth and yield responses of selected cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) genotypes to Cucumber mosaic virus disease.

Abstract

Cowpea is a dependable source of protein for human growth and development. The crop is widely cultivated in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. In spite of its numerous uses, infection by Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) disease constitutes a serious problem to cowpea productivity and once plants are infected, there is no remedy as in the case of other pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and nematodes. Cultivation of resistant genotypes is cost effective, ecologically sound and sustainable strategy against the disease. Twenty-three cowpea genotypes with differential yield and resistance background were evaluated against CMV infection in screen house. Cowpea seedlings were inoculated at ten days after sowing. The plants were observed for CMV disease incidence, disease severity, growth and yield parameters. The data collected were subjected to cluster and analysis of variance. The genotype 09 K- 480 was observed to have the lowest disease incidence (22.2%). However, the genotypes lID15- 40, 12 K- 261 and 12 K- 809 exhibited the lowest disease severity (score = 2.3). Seed weight (1.5 g) per plant were heaviest in 08 K - 125 - 107. Therefore, the genotype 08 K - 125 - 107 is recommended for cultivation in areas that are prone to CMV disease. Additionally, this genotype probably combines CMV tolerant genes that could be explored for breeding purposes.