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Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Slovenica is the property of Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This work was conducted to assess whether or not a natural occurring polysaccharide from Adenanthera pavonina seeds (PLSAp) and its chemically sulfated derivative galactomannan (SPLSAp), which did not act as fungicides, induce defense proteins and protect a susceptible cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotype (BR3-Tracuateua) against the phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Twelve-day-old plants were sprayed to run-off with PLSAp or SPLSAp, both at 100 and 200 mg L-1, dissolved in 0.01% Triton X-100, which served as control. The primary leaves were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after the carbohydrate treatments and the activities of guaiacol peroxidase (POX), β-1,3-glucanase (βGLU), and chitinase (CHI) were determined to verify the ability of the studied galactomannans to induce alterations in their kinetics. In addition, the primary leaves of a plant group previously sprayed with SPLSAp and 6 h later inoculated with C. gloeosporioides were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after the polysaccharide treatment, the enzyme activities measured, and the severity of the fungal disease evaluated. SPLSAp induced more prominently POX, βGLU, and CHI activity than PLSAp. Importantly, the combined treatment of SPLSAp and C. gloeosporioides was even more effective as enzyme inductor than SPLSAp alone, and the necrotic lesions of the anthracnose disease caused by the fungus were much less severe compared to control plants. The results indicate that SPLSAp induces plant defense proteins and increases the cowpea tolerance to C. gloeosporioides. These findings indicate that SPLSAp merits further investigation as a promising alternative or a supplemental environmentally friendly protector agent against anthracnose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hortscience Journal of Suez Canal University is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Combining ability analysis was carried out in diallel model using ten genotypes viz., IT 389561, RC 101, Pusa Phalguni,KM 5, GC 1, GC 2, GC 4, GC 5, Pant Lobia 1 and Pant Lobia 2. The estimates of gca effects indicated that the parents, IT 389561 and RC 101 were observed to be the best general combiners for seed yield per plant along with branches per plantand number of pods per plant in both generations. The crosses, GC 2 x GC 5 had recorded significant sca effects in both F1 and F2 generations for seed yield per plant followed by IT 389561 x KM 5, IT 389561 x GC 4 and KM 5 x GC 5. The cross,GC 2 x GC 5 was also found to be best specific combiner for number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant, numberof seeds per pod and harvest index with high per se performance for seed yield per plant. These crosses were considered very important to get good transgressive segregants and promising progenies for making use of them in future breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing awareness of the relevance of food composition for human health has increased the interest of the inclusion of high proportions of fruits and vegetables in diets. To reach the objective of more balanced diets, an increased consumption of legumes, which constitutes a sustainable source of essential nutrients, particularly low-cost protein, is of special relevance. However, the consumption of legumes also entails some constraints that need to be addressed to avoid a deleterious impact on consumers' wellbeing and health. The value of legumes as a source of nutrients depends on a plethora of factors, including genetic characteristics, agro-climatic conditions, and postharvest management that modulate the dietary effect of edible seeds and vegetative material. Thus, more comprehensive information regarding composition, especially their nutritional and anti-nutritional compounds, digestibility, and alternative processing procedures is essential. These were the challenges to write this review, which focusses on the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, an emerging crop all over the world intended to provide a rational support for the development of valuable foods and feeds of increased commercial value. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to assess the growth and economic performance of growing rabbits fed graded levels of cowpea testa meal (CTM). Wheat offal was replaced with cowpea testa meal at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels in diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Twenty- five crossbred rabbits (Dutch X New Zealand White) between 5 - 7 weeks of age were randomly allocated to the 5 treatments in groups of 5 rabbits and allowed unlimited access to the feed and drinking water throughout the experimental period. The daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the treatments while the final body weight and daily feed intake were affected by the inclusion of cowpea testa meal (CTM) in the diets. Rabbits fed T2 (25% cowpea testa meal) diet recorded the highest final body weight while those fed T5 (100% cowpea testa meal) diet recorded the least; other treatments were similar to the control (0% CTM). Rabbits fed T2 (25% cowpea testa meal) diet consumed more feed compared to rabbits fed other diets. The cost per kg feed decreased as the level of CTM increased in the diets. The best cost per kilogram of weight gain was obtained by rabbits fed T4 (75% cowpea testa meal) diet while the poorest was recorded by rabbits fed T2 (10% cowpea testa meal) diet. Therefore, 100% of the wheat offal in the diets of growing rabbits could be replaced with cowpea testa meal without adverse effects on growth and economic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea bacterial blight (CoBB, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola, Xav) is the most important bacterial disease of cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata) because it prevalent in all major cowpea growing areas worldwide, and the use of host resistance is the primary method to control this disease. Genetic diversity and association analysis were conducted for CoBB resistance in 249 USDA germplasm accessions, originally collected from 42 countries. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) was used for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery. A total of 1031 SNPs were used for genetic diversity and association analysis in this study. Three well-differentiated genetic populations and admixtures were postulated in the cowpea panel by STRUCTURE 2.3.4 and MEGA 6. Association analysis for CoBB resistance was done using single marker regression, general linear mode, and mixed linear mode using Tassel 5, GAPIT and QGene 4. Four SNP markers (C35046071_1260, C35084634_455, scaffold96328_3387, and scaffold96765_4430) were identified to be strongly associated with CoBB resistance with >70 % selection accuracy. These markers can be utilized in cowpea breeding for CoBB resistance through marker-assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional differences due to variety, source, and effects of heat processing on cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) were assessed. The precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay was used to determine amino acid digestibility and TME of cowpeas. Mozambican cowpea (nhemba) treatments included either raw or roasted, whereas those (black-eyed beans) sourced from the United States were raw, roasted, or extruded. Crude protein content on a DM basis was similar for raw nhemba (296 g/kg) in comparison to raw black-eyed beans (299 g/kg). Raw nhemba had slightly higher amino acid content (except tryptophan) than raw black-eyed beans. The level of trypsin inhibitors of nhemba was 3 times higher than black-eyed beans (6,700 vs 2,200 TIU/g). Heat treatment generally had no effect on amino acid concentration except for lysine, which was reduced in both beans by heat. Additionally, all heat treatments reduced the concentration of trypsin inhibitors to below 2,000 TIU/g. Amino acid digestibility for the nhemba cowpeas was lower than for the black-eyed cowpeas except for tryptophan. Roasting had no effect on amino acid digestibility in black-eyed beans, but increased digestibility of several amino acids in nhemba cowpeas, and the average increase was 3.4 percentage units. The TMEn of raw nhemba cowpeas was significantly increased (2,806 vs 3,347 kcal/kg DM) by roasting and the TMEn of raw black-eyed cowpeas was significantly increased by extrusion (3,164 vs 3,535 kcal/kilogram DM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of present study was to examine the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity and some key physio-biochemical attributes in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) subjected to salt stress. Salt stress (200 mM NaCl) reduced growth, biomass, relative water content and chlorophyll pigment content in cowpea leaves. AMF ameliorated the negative impact of salinity on the growth parameters studied. The activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD) and glutathione reductase (GR) enhanced under salt stress and AMF inoculation further enhanced their activity, thus strengthening the plant's defense system. Proline content increased in salt stressed plants as well as AMF-inoculated plants providing efficient protection against salt stress. Besides this AMF also increased uptake of mineral elements which have direct impact on the osmoregulation of the plants. The present study shows that AMF possesses the potential to enhance salt tolerance of cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitoids naturally attacking stink bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae and Pentatomidae) eggs and interactions with their hosts were recorded on soybean ( Glycine max [L.] Merril; Fabales: Fabaceae) and cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.; Fabales: Fabaceae) host plants in Brazil. Egg masses of stink bugs collected from plant structures were observed daily until emergence of either parasitoids or bugs. Stink bugs were parasitized by 8 species of egg parasitoids: Trissolcus urichi Crawford, Trissolcus teretis Johnson, Trissolcus bodkini Crawford, Telenomus podisi Ashmead, Phanuropsis semiflaviventris Girault (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae), Neorileya flavipes Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), Ooencyrtus anasae (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), and Anastatus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae). Trissolcus urichi, Te. podisi, O. anasae, and N. flavipes parasitized eggs of 2 or more species of stink bugs, and Tr. urichi and Te. podisi were the most generalist. Phanuropsis semiflaviventris, Tr. teretis, Tr. bodkini, and Anastatus sp. showed specialist behavior, because each of them parasitized only 1 species of stink bug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirteen treatments of sole crops and intercropping systems viz., T1 - pearlmillet sole, T2- cowpea sole, T3- greengram sole, T4 - mothbean sole, T5 - sesame sole, T6 - pearlmillet + cowpea (1:1), T7 -pearlmillet + cowpea (1:2), T8- pearlmillet + greengram (1:1), T9- pearlmillet + greengram (1:2), T10 - pearlmillet + mothbean (1:1), T11 - pearlmillet + mothbean (1:2), T12 - pearlmillet + sesame (1:1) and T13 - pearlmillet + sesame (1:2) were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. Pearlmillet intercropped with greengram at 1:2 and 1:1 row ratios were produced significantly higher pearlmillet equivalent yield than sole pearlmillet. The highest net return (^ 53,122) was obtained when pearlmillet intercropped with greengram at 1:2. But in case of BCR, significantly higher BCR (1:2.48) was recorded in sole greengram followed by pearlmillet + greengram at 1:2 row ratio. Intercropping system of pearlmillet + greengram at 1:2 row ratio was distinctly superior over sole pearlmillet and found most profitable. Pearlmillet + greengram intercropping system at 1:2 row ratio gave significantly higher values of LER than 1:1 row ratio and sole crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Souring of cowpea paste (CP) affects the sensory appeal of CP-based food products. This article reports the effect of whipping time (1–4 min) and moisture content (73–77%) on the quality of CP held at ambient temperature for 24 h. Paste overrun was more influenced by moisture content than whipping time. The exponential microbial growth phase was dominated by lactic acid bacteria after ≥ 6 h of holding. The souring process also increased exponentially with time. The rate constant (k) values ranged from 16.0–21.0 mol/L/h. Whipping delayed the attainment of exponential growth stage of fermenting organisms and reduced the acidification rate in CP compared to the control sample. All the measured parameters were highly predicted by a response surface regression model (0.979 < r2 < 1.000) except k. The optimum conditions for minimizing souring rate during 24 h holding was 74.56% moisture content and whipping time of 3.92 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) seed is greatly affected by the pest called bruchids (Callosobruchus sp.) during storage. Search for organic based biopesticide for control of bruchids led to the use of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) that had an invigorating effect on maintenance of seed viability. The seeds treated with CNSL recorded higher germination in 12 months storage. Number of eggs, number of insects and seed damage percentage were meagre in CNSL treated seeds but was comparatively effective to neem oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rain forest belt in Southern Nigeria is potentially susceptible to problems related to acid rain because of the increase in the consumption of petroleum oil products, such as diesel, gasoline and coal, used to produce energy for different sectors of the economy. The effect of simulated acid rain on the plant growth component of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata was studied. A greenhouse experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria. Simulated acid rain was prepared with a mixed concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) in a ratio 2:1 to get the desired pH using a Deluxe pH meter. The plant was exposed to simulated acid rain of pH 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0 which was the control. Simulated acid rain induced morphological changes including chlorosis, early leaf senescence, necrosis, leaf abscission, leaf folding and death. Plant height, leaf area, fresh weight, relative growth rate, chlorophyll content of the leaf and harvest index were highest at 7.0 (control) but significantly (p<0.05) decreased with increasing the acidity levels. V. unguiculata was seriously affected by the simulated acid rain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to evaluate the combined inoculation of rhizobia and Trichoderma spp. in cowpea, their ability to promote growth and use as a biological control agent for foliar blight (Rhizoctonia solani). The study was conducted in a field experiment in a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments consisted of seed-applied rhizobia with and without Trichoderma spp., and to the soil at planting time and 15 days after planting (DAP). The rhizobia inoculation was performed with a mixture of strains INPA 03-11B and UFLA 03-84. For the treatments with Trichoderma spp., a commercial powder product, Trichoplus JCO was used. The application of Trichoderma spp. and rhizobia at 15 DAP, in both the seed and in the soil, showed the best results (p < 0.05). The application of Trichoderma spp. did not inhibit the nodulation process, and the best results were obtained when the fungus was inoculated with rhizobia. The inoculation treatments were positive for Trichoderma spp. The Trichoderma spp. treatments showed improvements in stand counts, survival and effectiveness against R. solani, reinforcing that the usage of Trichoderma spp. as a seed and soil treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out to determine combining ability analysis among crosses derived from 11 selected cowpea genotypes. The crosses were made in L x T fashion. By using six lines and five testers, thirty hybrids were synthesized. A total of eleven genotypes were selected for crossing. Genotypes GC 3, Co 6, ACM 05-07, RC 101, Co(CP)7, and ACM 05-02 belonging to Vigna unguiculata were used as lines. Vellayani Local, Ettumanoor Local, Vyjayanthi, Vellayani jyothica belonging to Vigna unguiculata spp. sesquipedalis and VBN 2 belonging to Vigna unguiculata were used as testers. Except days to maturity and days to 50 per cent flowering all other traits are recorded high range value in both heritability and GA indicating that these traits were controlled by additive gene action. Additive gene action is fixable in segregating generation to get desirable high yielding genotype in cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out to analyse the phenotypic expression among crosses derived from 11 selected cowpea genotypes. The crosses were made in L x T fashion. By using six lines and five testers, thirty hybrids were synthesized. Genotypes GC 3, Co 6, ACM 05-07, RC 101, Co(CP)7, and ACM 05-02 belonging to Vigna unguiculata were used as lines. Vellayani Local, Ettumanoor Local, Vyjayanthi, Vellayani jyothica belonging to Vigna unguiculata spp. sesquipedalis and VBN 2 belonging to Vigna unguiculata were used as testers. Most of F1 plants resmle with the female parents in plant type. Colour of the seeds in F1 differed from the parents due to the different gene action. The gene action will be confirmed in further generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the genetic basis underlying domestication-related traits (DRTs) of cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is important since the genome has experienced divergent domestication and in addition it is also useful to utilize the wild germplasm efficiently for improving different traits of the cultivated cowpea. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for DRTs were identified in a population of 159 F recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between a domesticated cowpea ( V. unguiculata (L.) Walp.) variety, 524B, and a wild accession, 219. Using the constructed linkage map, QTLs for 10 DRTs were analysed and mapped. QTLs for seed, pod and flower related traits were detected. Subsequently, QTL for ovule number was also identified. To our knowledge, this is the first time a QTL for this trait has been observed. QTLs for DRTs show co-localization on three linkage groups and pleiotropy or close linkage of genes for the traits is suggested in these chromosome regions. The information gained in this study can be used for marker-assisted selection of domestication-related QTLs in cowpea and enhance understanding of domestication in the genus Vigna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Biotecnología is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the present study, the effect of different hydrocolloids (guar, xanthan, and pectin) were evaluated on some functional properties of cowpea starch. It was found that these hydrocolloids significantly enhanced the water absorption while reducing the swelling power and solubility. Only pectin was found to be an effective gum which reduces the syneresis of the cowpea starch gel during freeze-thaw process. The results indicated that guar gum caused a noticeable increase of peak viscosity as well as viscosity at 95°C examined by viscoamylograph whereas reducing trend was observed for both peak viscosity and viscosity at 95°C when pectin was added. It was also observed that guar gum caused a rapid rise in viscosity during the cooling period whereas the addition of the xanthan as well as pectin dropped the viscosity of cowpea starch. The heating stability of cowpea starch was found to be reduced by the addition of guar and xanthan gums while set back capability was successfully reduced by all selected hydrocolloids. The firmness of cowpea starch gel could be improved by the addition of all selected hydrocolloids during storage as compared to native starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken in a cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] var. Arka Garima to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of physical as well as chemical mutagens and to induce viable mutation in qualitative traits which could be utilized directly or introduced into cowpea improvement programme. Germination percent decreased in general with increase in dose/concentration of mutagens. The inhibitory effect on these characters was more prominent with gamma rays than with EMS. The frequency of chlorophyll mutation increased with the increase in dose/concentration. Wide spectrum of chlorophyll mutations were obtained in the present study which includes albino, xantha, chlorina, viridis and xantha-viridis. The lower and intermediate doses of gamma rays (200 and 300 Gy) and EMS (0.25% and 0.30%) are recommended as most effective and efficient for exploring variability and isolating promising mutants. Significant morphological variability was created which include abnormalities in growth habit, leaf, flower, pod and seed coat. The frequency of morphological abnormalities increased with increase in dose of gamma rays until 300 Gy followed by a decline. However, in chemical mutagen treated population, a linear decline in frequency up to 0.35% was seen followed by increase in higher concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the growth of semi-erect and semi-prostrate cowpea cultivars as a function of water irrigation of to soil under climate conditions of Bom Jesus-Piauí. The experiment was conducted in São Luiz Farm, located 3 km far from Bom Jesus - Piauí, from June to August 2011. There were evaluated the number of leaves, dry leaves, dry branches, dry matter of pods and total dry matter of plants rate and photosynthetically active radiation of the BRS Aracê (semi-prostrado) and BRS Tumucumaque (semi-erect) cowpea cultivars submitted to five irrigation regimes (108.2 mm, 214.7 mm, 287.9 mm, 426.1 mm and 527, 7 mm). The BRS Aracê had a higher number of leaves than BRS Tumucumaque. The BRS Tumucumaque has produced 17.09% more dry matter than BRS Aracê under a water depth of 401.9 mm. The minimum rate of photosynthetically active radiation, which reflects greater soil cover by the canopy, is obtained with BRS Aracê. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se estudió la dinámica de las propiedades físicas y el fraccionamiento de la fibra de la harina de forraje integral de Lablab purpureus, inoculada con las cepas M5-2 y 137 MCX-1 del hongo lignocelulolítico Trichoderma viride. El objetivo fue evaluar la calidad nutritiva de la fracción fibrosa de las harinas sometidas a una fermentación en estado sólido (FES). Se utilizaron 50 g del sustrato para determinar los indicadores del fraccionamiento fibroso (fibra neutro detergente (FND), fibra ácido detergente (FAD) lignina, hemicelulosa y celulosa), así como las propiedades físicas: volumen, solubilidad y capacidad de adsorción de agua (CAA) a las 0, 48, 72, 96 y 120 h después de la inoculación. Para el estudio de las mediciones, se utilizó un diseño de parcelas divididas. Se obtuvo interacción significativa tratamiento x horario de muestreo (P < 0.001) para FND, FAD, celulosa, hemicelulosa, solubilidad y volumen. Se obtuvo disminución de la FND (P < 0.001) de la harina integral inoculada a partir de las 24 h y de las 48 h con las cepas 137MCX-1 y M5-2, respectivamente. La mayor disminución de la FND (8.3 unidades porcentuales), con la inoculación de la cepa M5-2, se obtuvo a las 72 h. Esto coincidió con el mayor incremento (P < 0.001) de celulosa y con la disminución de hemicelulosa, de 23.37 a 19.15 %. A las 72 h, se encontró menor contenido de lignina (P < 0.001), independientemente de las cepas. Esto coincidió con mayor solubilidad para ambas. Los resultados indicaron incremento de la calidad nutritiva de la fracción fibrosa para la harina de forraje integral de dolicho, inoculada con ambas cepas. Esto posibilita considerar su inclusión como alimento alternativo para especies monogástricas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two contrasting responses to water stress have been reported among drought-tolerant cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) cultivars. In Type 1 response, growth was arrested, moisture was conserved, and the unifoliates and trifoliates desiccated at approximately the same time. In Type 2 response, the unifoliates desiccated early and leaf moisture was conserved in the trifoliates to allow growth to continue slowly for the youngest trifoliate. The objective of this study was to evaluate these contrasting responses to water stress among six previously identified tolerant and susceptible cultivars and to elucidate the physiological basis for drought tolerance in cowpea with respect to gas exchange, leaf water status, and carbohydrate partitioning. Six cultivars previously identified as differing in type and level of drought tolerance were planted in a greenhouse with drought stress initiated 11 d after planting. Gas exchange, dry weight partitioning, and water status measurements were taken on each cultivar every 3 to 5 d during water stress. Water stress reduced net photosynthesis (Anet), stomatal conductance (gsw), and transpiration, increased intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), but had no effect on leaf water content (LWC) of the trifoliates in all cowpea cultivars regardless of the type or level of drought tolerance. Results suggest that reduced Anet under water stress was likely due to end-product inhibition rather than stomatal limitation to CO2 diffusion. This study found no evidence that the overall plant water status was improved by unifoliate senescence in certain drought-tolerant cultivars as previously postulated. Rather, this appears to be a general stress response exhibited by certain cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was conducted at Sahka Agriculture. Research. Station, KafrEl-Sheikh, Egypt. Cowpea plants (Vigna unquiculata, L., Walp.) variety Doki 331, were inoculated with microsymbiont Bradyrhizobium sp. along with urea fertilizer at levels of 40 and 80 kg N/Fed. Applied in two equal doses at 30 and 45 days after sowing. The investigation lasted for three months in two summer planttions 2010 and 2011. To survey the presence mites, insect pests, beneficial and visitor insects at four fertilization levels: Nodulation + 50% N -fertilization, Nodulation + 100% Nfertilization, Non -Nodulation + 50% N -fertilization and non-nodulation + 100% N-fertilization. Results indicated presence of 4 species of mites belonging to 4 families orders in all nodulation and N- fertilization treatments during both seasons. While insect pests had 10 species belonging to 9 families in all nodulation and N-fertilization. Except that with Non-nodulation and N-fertilization in season 2010. Where it had 9 species belonging to 8 families and 5 orders during season 2010. Also, 8 species of beneficial insects belonging to 6 families and 5 orders in nodulation + 50% N- fertilization and Non -nodulation + 100% N-fertilization. But in Nodulation+ 100% N- fertilization was found 9 species belonging to 7 families and 6 orders. While, in non-nodulation + 50% N-fertilization there were 5 species belonging to 5 families orders during season 2010. Finally, 4 species of visitors insects belonging to 4 families and orders in all Nodulation and N-fertilization during season 2011. Results indicated the population density of the mite, insect pests, beneficial and visitor insects increased with nodulation and N-fertilization, recording the highest figure at 80 kg N/fed. Tetranychus urticae (koch), Aphis craccivora (koch), Paederus alfierii (Koch) and Apis mellifera (L. ) were the dominant species in cowpea nodulation & N- fertilization and represented by 84.42, 77.08, 87.26, 82.76%, 34.43, 30.85, 39.04, 38.37%, 45.28, 33.91, 46.15, 40.00% and 47.06, 51.02, 66.66, 46.66% of Acari, pests, beneficial and visitor insects in the first season, respectively. It could be stated that each dominant and subdominant species which differently affected population diversity. Diversity index values of Acari species were 0.2484, 0.3302, 0.2198, 0.2730 and 0.3682, 1.3311, 0.3319, 0.4260. While, pests were 0.6905, 0.7617, 0.6579, 0.6586 and 0.7986, 0.8656, 0.7966, 0.8226. also, beneficial insects were 0.7248, 0.8137, 0.6155, 0.7472 and 0.9277, 0.9356, 0.9216. Finally, visitor insects were 0.4219, 0.4318, 0.3765, 0.3873 and 0.5839, 0.5866, 0.5908, 0.5965 for nodulation + 50% N- fertilization, nodulation + 100% N- fertilization, non- nodulation + 50% N- fertilization and Non-Nodulation + 100% N- fertilization during season 2010 and 2011. The relative abundance of species in each Nodulation had an effect on diversity index values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sinorhizobium fredii USDA257 employs type III secretion system (T3SS) to deliver effector proteins into the host cells through pili. The nopA protein is the major component of USDA257 pili. The promoter region of USDA257 nopA possesses a well conserved tts box. Serial deletion analysis revealed that the tts box is absolutely essential for flavonoid induction of nopA. Deletion of nopA drastically lowered the number of nodules formed by USDA257 on cowpea and soybean cultivar Peking. In contrast to the parental strain, the USDA257 nopA mutant was able to form few nodules on soybean cultivars McCall and Williams 82. Light and transmission electron microscopy examination of these nodules revealed numerous starch grains both in the infected and uninfected cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protease inhibitors against trypsin were extracted from cowpea seeds, purified, and characterized. After the seed powder was defatted with hexane, the cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CpTI) was extracted with 0.15 MNaCl for 30 min. The crude extracts were then heated at 90°C for 10 min, followed by precipitation with 40–65% saturation ammonium sulfate, by which the protein purity increased approximately 15-fold. The CpTI had approximate 88-fold and 186-fold purification after anion-exchange chromatography (Super-Q) and gel filtration (Sephadex G-200), respectively. A broad band of the purified CpTI on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) indicates a degree of heterogeneity and partial denaturation of CpTI, having a molecular mass of ∼8000 kD. Multiple peaks between 7451 and 8898 by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectroscopy also suggest heterogeneity. The purified CpTI was stable at 90°C for 60 min, pH 5–10, and 0–3.0% of NaCl. The purification method described here can be used to obtain highly purified CpTI for its studies such as risk assessment of CpTI genetically modified foods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study was conducted to assess the performance of five tropical forage legumes namely sesbania (Sesbania aculeata), cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata), rice beans (Vigna umbellata), lablab bean (Lablab purpureus) and cluster bean (Cymopsis tetragonoloba) with reference to a cereal fodder reference crop of millet (Pennisetum typhoides) and their residual effects on the succeeding oat crop at the National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan, under rainfed conditions without application of fertilizers in Randomized Complete Block Design. The highest dry matter yield was obtained from millet (8.9 tha-1), followed by cowpeas (4.5 tha-1), sesbania (4.4 tha-1), rice beans (2.9 tha-1), lablab bean (2.2 tha-1) while cluster bean produced lowest dry matter (1.7 tha-1). Cluster bean had the highest crude protein content (23.2 %) followed by cowpea (22.6 %), lablab bean (21.6 %), rice bean (20.1 %) and sesbania (19.1 %). Millet had the lowest crude protein content of 6.2%. Dry matter yield of oats owing to the previous crops was least after millet (7.5 tha-1) and ranged from 8.5 to 8.9 tha after sesbania, cluster bean and cowpeas. Differences in crude protein content of oats as affected by the previous crops were non-significant and ranged from 9.4% to 9.7%. Differences in crude protein yield of oats as affected by the preceding crops were statistically significant and ranged from 705 to 854 kg ha-1. These differences were due to variation in their dry matter. It was concluded that cereal legume sequenced cropping system gave overall higher yield of the cropping system. Inclusion of tropical forage legumes into the current cereal based farming system of Pothwar would not only increase forage availability to the underfed livestock of the area resulting in the increased livestock production but will also improve the N fertility of the soil. Potentially higher production of the subsequent non-leguminous crops will result as residual effect of this improved N status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological and biochemical responses to Acute Ozone Exposure (AOE) by Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. cultivar variety CO6 was studied. Plants were grown in controlled conditions and exposed to ozone at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 ppbv (T1-T5) for 15 min twice a day. Variation among shoot and root length, shoot-root ratio, fresh (FW), dry (DW) weight, leaf area (LA), leaf area ratio (LAR), number of guard cells (G), epidermal cells (E) (abaxial and adaxial), stomatal index (SI), chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll (TC), chlorophyll a/b ratio, chlorophyll protein ratio (CPR), ascorbic acid (AA), total phenol (TP), Proline (Pro), nitrate reductase activity (NRA) and Urease activity (UA) were measured in control and ozone-treated plants. The ozone treatment resulted in increase in dry weight, shoot length, leaf area, and number of epidermal cells, stomata and total chlorophyll on exposure up to 60 ppbv. Nitrate Reductase (EC: 1.6.6.3) and Urease (EC: 3.5.15) activities were inhibited by ozone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Biociencias is the property of Revista Brasileira de Biociencias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectifying to evaluate the interaction of a susceptible bean cultivar compared with no host bean cultivar stored in three atmospheric conditions: hermetic, semi-hermetic and no hermetic, about the development of weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (L.), conducted this research in the laboratory of Entomology of the UFC, in Crato-CE, on ambient conditions, during may to july of 2008. It was utilized a completely randomized design, with four replicates in a factorial 2 x 3, where the first factor referred to the cultivars of beans and as other factor, the three atmospheric conditions. At the eight days of infestation were evaluated the mortality of the adults and the egg-laying and, in the end of the storage period, evaluated the emergency of weevil and the loss of weight of the grains. The condition hermetic promotes higher mortality and lower emergency of the adults of weevil, along, lower loss of weight of the grains. Therefore, the hermetic control associated with susceptible cultivars of beans can be used as strategic alternatives for small growers to the use of chemical products in management programs of Callosobruchus maculatus in stored grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted on a Typic Haplustept at experimental farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, during three consecutive kharif seasons of the year 2006, 2007 and 2008, to assess the possibility of improving productivity and sustainability of cowpea under 100% recommended doses of NPK fertilizers and 50% recommended doses of NPK fertilizers along with sewage sludge @ 1 t ha-1 and rice straw in the ratio of (1:3, 1:6 and 1:9). Application of N, P, K and organic sources (sewage sludge plus rice straw) significantly increased the yield of cowpea over control. The maximum yield of cowpea (10.9 q ha-1) was obtained in 100% NPK followed by 50% NPK + sewage sludge: rice straw (1:9). The 100% recommended NPK recorded higher N, P and K uptake which was at par with the treatment 50% NPK + sewage sludge : rice straw (1:9). Combined use of organics and fertilizer was significantly reflected in the buildup of available N, P, K and organic carbon. The use of rice straw along with sewage sludge decreased the DTPA-extractable Cd, Pb and Ni content in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The speciation and spatial distribution of selenium (Se) in hydrated plant tissues is not well understood. Using synchrotron-based x-ray absorption spectroscopy and x-ray fluorescence microscopy (two-dimensional scanning [and associated mathematical model] and computed tomography), the speciation and distribution of toxic Se were examined within hydrated roots of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) exposed to either 20 µM selenite or selenate. Based upon bulk solution concentrations, selenate was 9-fold more toxic to the roots than selenite, most likely due to increased accumulation of organoselenium (e.g. selenomethionine) in selenate-treated roots. Specifically, uptake of selenate (probably by sulfate transporters) occurred at a much higher rate than for selenite (apparently by both passive diffusion and phosphate transporters), with bulk root tissue Se concentrations approximately 18-fold higher in the selenate treatment. Although the proportion of Se converted to organic forms was higher for selenite (100%) than for selenate (26%), the absolute concentration of organoselenium was actually approximately 5-fold higher for selenate-treated roots. In addition, the longitudinal and radial distribution of Se in roots differed markedly: the highest tissue concentrations were in the endodermis and cortex approximately 4 mm or more behind the apex when exposed to selenate but in the meristem (approximately 1 mm from the apex) when exposed to selenite. The examination of the distribution and speciation of Se in hydrated roots provides valuable data in understanding Se uptake, transport, and toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Here we present the development of cowpea lines tolerant to a herbicide from imidazoline class (imazapyr). Plants presented tolerance to fourfold the commercial recommended dose for weed control. Abstract: Cowpea is one of the most important and widely cultivated legumes in many parts of the world. Its cultivation is drastically affected by weeds, causing damages during growth and development of plants, competing for light, nutrients and water. Consequently, weed control is critical, especially using no-tillage farming systems. In tropical regions, no-till farming is much easier with the use of herbicides to control weeds. This study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of obtaining transgenic cowpea plants resistant to imidazolinone, which would facilitate weed control during the summer season. The biolistic process was used to insert a mutated acetohydroxyacid synthase coding gene ( Atahas) which confers tolerance to imazapyr. The transgene integration was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Out of ten lines tested for tolerance to 100 g ha imazapyr, eight presented some tolerance. One line (named 59) revealed high herbicide tolerance and developmental growth comparable to non-transgenic plants. This line was further tested for tolerance to higher herbicide concentrations and presented tolerance to 400 g ha imazapyr (fourfold the commercial recommended dose) with no visible symptoms. Line 59 will be the foundation for generating imidazolinone-tolerant cowpea varieties, which will facilitate cultivation of this crop in large areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The cowpea plant, being affordable and protein-rich, is considered poor man's meat. The aim of this paper is to undertake a detailed investigation regarding in vitro total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and chemical constituents of the vegetable oils from seeds of this plant, taking its nutritional value into consideration. Design/methodology/approach – Vegetable oils of different indigenous cowpea varieties were obtained using soxhelt extraction assembly and subjected to GC-MS analyses and various antioxidant assays including 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulpohonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation scavenging, ferr, 2.2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging, total phenolic contents (TPC), lipid peroxidation inhibition, and iron chelation activity. Findings – Various chemical constituents including different hydrocarbons, tocopherols, ketones, fatty esters, estragole and cedrene were identified. TPCs were found to be 5.439, 5.7279, 7.6126, 6.7573 and 10.0591 mg/L gallic acid equivalent for S.A. Dandy, Elite, White Star, CP-386 and FBD Rawan varieties, respectively. Employing ABTS radical decoloration assay a significant linear correlation (R2=0.997, 0.996, 0.997, 0.996 and 0.997 for S.A. Dandy, Elite, White Star, CP-386 and FBD Rawan varieties, respectively) was found between the percent inhibition of ABTS radical cation and the amount of vegetable oils. The percent inhibition of the Fe(II)-Ferrozine complex formation was found to be 29.45, 53.76, 82.91, 86.59 and 57.87 for the same varieties, respectively. Originality/value – GC-MS and standard in vitro antioxidative capacity analyses data clearly demonstrated the potency of the cowpea as antioxidant and radical scavenger plant which may be used as a good source of natural antioxidants. The plant seeds may prove a better and cost-effective substitute of expensive food items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yardlong bean [ Vigna unguiculata ssp. unguiculata cv.-gr. sesquipedalis] is an important vegetable legume, particularly in Asia. Tenderness and sweetness of fresh pods are the key factors in deciding the commercial acceptance of yardlong bean. We report here for the first time quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of these traits from crosses between the yardlong bean accession JP81610 and wild cowpea ( V. unguiculata ssp. unguiculata var. spontanea) accession JP89083. Two SSR-based linkage maps developed from BCF [(JP81610 × JP89083) × JP81610] and F (JP81610 × JP89083) populations were used for QTL analysis of pod tenderness and total soluble solid (TSS) content. Composite interval mapping (CIM) identified three QTLs for pod tenderness with phenotypic variance explained (PVE) of 5.6-50 % and alleles from JP81610 increased the tenderness. CIM detected two QTLs for pod TSS with PVE of 7 and 9 %, and alleles from JP89083 increased TSS. Locations of these QTLs were compared with those of QTLs controlling domestication-related traits identified in the same populations. All QTLs for pod tenderness co-localized with QTLs for pod length. QTLs for pod TSS co-located with QTLs for pod dehiscence and/or pod length. The implications of these QTLs in breeding new yardlong bean and cowpea cultivars are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate the direct and indirect effects of agronomic and culinary traits on iron and zinc contents in 11 cowpea populations. Correlations between traits were estimated and decomposed into direct and indirect effects using path analysis. For the study populations, breeding for larger grain size, higher number of grains per pod, grain yield, reduced cooking time, and number of days to flowering can lead to decreases in the levels of iron and zinc in the grain. Genetic gains for the iron content can be obtained by direct selection for protein content by indirect effects on the number of grains per pod, 100-grain weight and grain yield. The positive direct effect of grain size and protein content on the zinc content indicates the possibility of simultaneous gain by combined selection of these traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Western Burkina Faso, population pressure has led to the abandonment of fallow. Continuous cropping of cotton and maize are recognized to severely reduce soil fertility. In order to increase the productivity of cropping systems and contribute to the recovery of soil fertility, farmers of Tuy involved in the "Fertipartenaires" project decided to test different maize and legume intercropping patterns. The objective of the study was to develop experimentation in farmers' conditions concerning maize/legume intercrops which should be economically efficient and technically acceptable. Volunteer producers have tested the maize/cowpea (13 producers) and the maize/mucuna (10 producers). Cowpea was already produced by farmers as a cash or food-crop at a small-scale in pure stands for grain products and mucuna was newly introduced as a fodder crop for cattle. The maize-legume intercropping was a new practice in the region. For each experimental plot, the intercropping was compared with the sole cultivation of corn (control). The sets of production practices (SPP) were monitored until the measure of the yield. For both intercrops, homogeneous SPP were defined by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical ascending classification (HAC) and the most efficient ones, technically and economically, were compared with monoculture of maize by variance analysis (ANOVA). It emerged that the dates of tillage and sowing, plant density, date of weeding, and soil fertility levels are the performance factors for maize/legume intercrops. Maize/legume intercropping lead significantly (P< 10%) to an increase of biomass from 22 to 29% compared to monoculture of maize without increasing the work duration. The maize/cowpea intercrop provided higher income than the maize/mucuna one. Studies should continue to improve the sets of production practices, to estimate work drudgery induced by intercropping during harvesting and the medium terms effect of legumes on soil fertility enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted during the early planting season of 2011 at Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria to evaluate eight varieties of cowpea (IT80D-699, IT82 (e-18), Ife Brown, IT870-9411 and TVX3236, IT90K-277-2, IT870-9411 and IT828-146) for adaptation in the altisol of Asaba agro ecological zone with a view to recommending the suitable varieties to farmers in the area for planting. The results showed that significant differences (P<0.05) existed among the varieties tested in all the growth characters measured. Ife Brown, IT8482246-4 and TVX3236 varieties performed significantly better both in the growth and yield as well as yield related parameters when compared to IT800D-699, IT82(e-18), IT870-9411 and IT828-146 varieties. This study hereby recommends Ife Brown, IT848-2246-4 and TVX3236 varieties which performed appreciably better to farmers in Asaba agro ecological zone for planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vigna unguiculata is an important food legume crop in the semiarid tropics. It suffers from a host of agricultural constraints including damage due to diseases and pests. Judicious application of biotechnological methods can lead to considerable improvement in this important crop. Shoot regeneration from unsliced and longitudinally sliced cotyledon node explants obtained from 3-day-old to 5-day-old seedlings grown in vitro was achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1.11, 2.22, 3.33, and 4.44 µM benzylaminopurine (BA) supplemented with 1.0 mg/L polyvinylpyrrolidone and 500 mg/L bacteriostatic Augmentin. Callus induction was recorded in all culture media on both explants. The shoot regeneration frequency (%) of longitudinally sliced cotyledon node explants was 2-fold to 3-fold higher than that of unsliced cotyledon node explants. A maximum number of 9.92 shoots per longitudinally sliced cotyledon node explant was recorded on MS medium containing 3.33 µM BA. Each increase in the BA concentration of the culture medium proportionally decreased the mean shoot length on both explants. Maximum mean shoot lengths of 2.80 cm on unsliced cotyledon nodes and 3.04 cm on longitudinally sliced cotyledon node explant were recorded on MS medium containing 1.11 µM BA. Regenerated shoots were rooted on MS rooting medium containing 2.45 µM indole-3-butyric acid. In vitro regenerated plants were acclimatised at room temperature in growth rooms, where they produced viable seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotypic- and silicon (Si)-mediated differences in manganese (Mn) tolerance of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) arise from a combination of symplastic and apoplastic traits. A detailed metabolomic inspection could help to identify functional associations between genotype- and Si-mediated Mn tolerance and metabolism. Two cowpea genotypes differing in Mn tolerance (TVu 91, Mn sensitive; TVu 1987, Mn tolerant) were subjected to differential Mn and Si treatments. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolite profiling of leaf material was performed. Detailed evaluation of the response of metabolites was combined with gene expression and physiological analyses. After 2 d of 50 μM Mn supply TVu 91 expressed toxicity symptoms first in the form of brown spots on the second oldest trifoliate leaves. Silicon treatment suppressed symptom development in TVu 91. Despite higher concentrations of Mn in leaves of TVu 1987 compared with TVu 91, the tolerant genotype did not show symptoms. From sample cluster formation as identified by independent component analysis (ICA) of metabolite profiles it is concluded that genotypic differences accounted for the highest impact on variation in metabolite pools, followed by Mn and Si treatments in one of two experiments. Analysis of individual metabolites corroborated a comparable minor role for Mn and Si treatments in the modulation of individual metabolites. Mapping individual metabolites differing significantly between genotypes onto biosynthetic pathways and gene expression studies on the corresponding pathways suggest that genotypic Mn tolerance is a consequence of differences (i) in the apoplastic binding capacity; (ii) in the capability to maintain a high antioxidative state; and (iii) in the activity of shikimate and phenylpropanoid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Biotecnología is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A field experiment was conducted between 2007 and 2008 to determine the agronomic performance and nutritive quality of some varieties of dual-purpose cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) grown in marginal land without fertilization. The experiment was arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design with two seasons (wet and dry) and two groups (commercial and improved) of cowpea varieties. The varieties were evaluated for biomass and grain yields, green leaf retention, chemical composition, secondary metabolites and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). A group × season interaction was observed for biomass yield with higher yields recorded in the wet season. Grain yield and green leaf retention were also greater ( P < 0.001) in improved varieties with an average yield of 467 kg ha−1 and over 50% of leaves retained during the wet season, respectively. Interaction between group and season was observed for crude protein ( P = 0.002), lignin ( P = 0.003) and hemicellulose ( P = 0.003) contents of the cowpea haulms. The IVOMD of the haulms ranged from 585 to 802 g kg−1 OM. Quality indices (IVOMD, crude protein and non-fiber carbohydrates) of the cowpea varieties were better during the dry season. Results from the study showed that dual-purpose cowpea varieties can easily be grown by resource-poor small-holder farmers as it requires little or no input and will provide sufficient biomass that will be used as a supplement during the dry season while providing extra food for the households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of BIOAGRO is the property of Revista BIOAGRO and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The agronomic performance of 12 cowpea genotypes and the original population was evaluated in order to select genotypes with higher agronomic attributes, taking into account the agro-ecological conditions of the Sinú river valley, departament of Cordoba, Colombia. Randomized complete block design with 13 treatments and four replications was applied. Response variables were grain yield and its components. The populations together with their parents were sown in the experimental area located at the University of Cordoba in Montería - Colombia in 2009. Analysis of variance showed significant differences (P <0,05) for the number of pods per plant, pods per meter, number of seeds per pod and grain yield, while for the seed weight differences were highly significant (P <0,01). Otherwise, the precocity has not significance. The genetic variability present in the inbred lines allows select cultivars with good agronomic attributes and excellent yields of grain to improve production levels of farmers in the Sinú valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]