Towards Efficient In vitro Regeneration of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp): A Review

Developing a rapid and highly efficient cowpea regeneration, transformation and genome editing system using embryonic axis explants

“…Domesticated in Africa and widely cultivated in the tropical and subtropical zones of the world, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ), also known as black-eyed pea, is one of the most valuable grain legumes for high-quality dietary protein, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals and vitamins for people in developing countries of Africa and Asia (Abdu Sani et al, 2015;Phillips et al, 2003;Singh, 2014). It is estimated that over 200 million people consume cowpea daily in Africa (Phillips et al, 2003;Singh, 2014).…”

Developing a rapid and highly efficient cowpea regeneration and transformation system using embryonic axis explants

“…De novo shoot organogenesis using EA as explants A rapid, efficient and reproducible regeneration system is a prerequisite for establishment of an efficient cowpea genetic transformation system. Although several studies of in vitro regeneration of cowpea based on organogenesis have been reported (Aasim et al, 2010;Abdu Sani et al, 2015;Mamadou et al, 2008;Manman et al, 2013;Odutayo et al, 2005;Raveendar et al, 2009;Sani et al, 2018;Tie et al, 2013;Yusuf et al, 2008), an efficient cowpea regeneration system that enables highly efficient transformation is still lacking (Manman et al, 2013). Soybean transformation based on the preexisting meristems of EA explants has been well established and provides a reliable and highly efficient mean for introducing transgenes (Aragão et al, 2000;Liu et al, 2004;Turlapati et al, 2008).…”

“…Domesticated in Africa and widely cultivated in the tropical and subtropical zones of the world, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ), also known as black-eyed pea, is one of the most valuable grain legumes for high-quality dietary protein, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals and vitamins for people in developing countries of Africa and Asia (Abdu Sani et al, 2015;Phillips et al, 2003;Singh, 2014). It is estimated that over 200 million people consume cowpea daily in Africa (Phillips et al, 2003;Singh, 2014).…”

“…It is estimated that over 200 million people consume cowpea daily in Africa (Phillips et al, 2003;Singh, 2014). Despite its high tolerance to heat, dry conditions and soil acidity, cowpea is highly susceptible to insect pest and pathogen infestations resulting in lower productivity (Abdu Sani et al, 2015;Boukar et al, 2016;Obembe, 2008;Singh, 2014;Solleti et al, 2008a). Due to limited genetic variability of cowpea and strong crossincompatibility between wild Vigna species and cultivated cowpea, little progress has been made in genetic improvement through conventional breeding to achieve desirable agronomic traits (Abdu Sani et al, 2015;Fang et al, 2007;Gomathinayagam et al, 1998;Latunde-Dada, 1990;Wamalwa et al, 2016).…”

“…Despite its high tolerance to heat, dry conditions and soil acidity, cowpea is highly susceptible to insect pest and pathogen infestations resulting in lower productivity (Abdu Sani et al, 2015;Boukar et al, 2016;Obembe, 2008;Singh, 2014;Solleti et al, 2008a). Due to limited genetic variability of cowpea and strong crossincompatibility between wild Vigna species and cultivated cowpea, little progress has been made in genetic improvement through conventional breeding to achieve desirable agronomic traits (Abdu Sani et al, 2015;Fang et al, 2007;Gomathinayagam et al, 1998;Latunde-Dada, 1990;Wamalwa et al, 2016). Hence, plant biotechnology provides an alternative approach to overcome those production constraints for improving the agronomic performance and developing better cowpea cultivars with higher grain quality and yield (Carlos Popelka et al, 2004;Zaidi et al, 2005).…”