Pests and diseases of cowpea in Uganda: Experiences from a diagnostic survey

Trait association and stability of virus resistance among cowpea genotypes in Uganda

“…Table 3) with lower virus incidence and AUDPC in the first season compared to the second season. However, this was contrary to the observations of Edema et al (1997) and Adipala et al (1999), who reported higher severities and incidences of viral diseases in the first season (wet season) than in the second dry season. Dry weather conditions are associated higher virus vector infestations due to high vector populations and greater mobility than the wet seasons (Edema et al, 1997;Kone et al, 2017a,b).…”

“…Dry weather conditions are associated higher virus vector infestations due to high vector populations and greater mobility than the wet seasons (Edema et al, 1997;Kone et al, 2017a,b). Edema et al (1997) and Adipala et al (1999) attributed the higher viral incidence in the first (wet) season to short dry spells.…”

“…Given its roles in contributing to food security, income generation and maintenance of the ecosystem, the crop is truly "a multifunctional legume" (Timko and Singh, 2008). In Uganda, 90% of cowpea production takes place in the eastern and northern regions of the country, largely by small holder farmers (Adipala et al, 1999). Productivity of the crop is, however low, estimated at less than 500 kg ha -1 .…”

“…This is attributed to a number of biotic and abiotic factors, as well as poor agronomic practices ( Edema et al, 1997;Adipala et al, 1999). Among the biotic constraints, viral diseases which are widespread in the country (Edema et al, 1997;Adipala et al, 1999;Orawu et al, 2005;2015) contribute greatly to yield reduction. Virus infection of cowpea does not only lead to yield reduction, but also reduces the protein content of the grain (Taiwo and Akinjogunla, 2006).…”

Marketing and market integration of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in Uganda

“…Cowpea trade has been limited to the local/domestic market but is slightly picking at regional level, mainly South Sudan and Kenya. Cowpea has therefore been thought of having brought for the smallholder farmers in Uganda an important food and potentially an important cash crop, especially for varieties demanded by the export market (Adipala et al, 1999). Since the Uganda government policy is to diversify exports and introduce non-traditional cash crops in the economy, cowpea presents a great economic potential.…”