Evaluation of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Genotypes for Fodder Yield and Resistance against Leaf Spot (Pseudocercospora cruenta)

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.), is an important grain legume grown in the tropics and constitutes a valuable source of protein in the diets of millions of people. Some abiotic and biotic stresses adversely affect its productivity. Among biotic factors, Pseudocercospora leaf spot is a widespread disease claim significant losses to the crop.  Present studies consisted of two experiments, i.e., the pot experiment was carried out under glasshouse conditions and another experiment was conducted under field conditions. Eight local cowpea genotypes viz., CP-383, CP-162, CP-145, CP-271, CP-219, IT84-552, SS-92 and IT82E-715 were evaluated for yield parameters, green fodder yield and their reaction against Cercospora leaf spot disease compared with the commercially approved variety ‘ Rawan 2003' for two ‘ Kharif ’ seasons. The lowest disease index (2.76 %) was recorded in CP-383 followed by statistically similar resistance shown by check variety, CP 2003 (4.07%) and CP-219 (4.53%). The highest susceptibility with disease index (18.32%) was exhibited by IT84-552. The genotypes differed significantly on the basis of length, thickness and branching of vines, number and size of their leaves. The accession CP-383 out-performed the other accession lines in green fodder yield during both the years and can be ranked as the best gene resources for future breeding programmes.