Evaluation of native and collected Germplasm for earliness Seed traits and resistance to rust, CMV and leaf spot in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]

In the present study, 225 germplasm collections of cowpea including local types were evaluated in augmented design along with C152 (check) for high test weight, desirable seed and pod features, earliness and resistance to Cowpea rust (Uromyces vignae), Cowpea Mosaic Virus (CMV) and Cercospora leaf spot for two years ( kharif 2008 and kharif 2009) at Dharwad. The results of the investigation revealed that fifteen of the accessions showed bold seeds (test weight > 10g). Accession number IC202932 and IC247435 showed extra bold seeds (test weight >14g) and also bold pods. About 15 germplasm accessions were found to be highly resistant to rust; 10 accessions displayed HR reaction to CMV and about 5 accessions showed highly resistant reaction against leafspot. With respect to Multiple Disease Resistance, accession numbers IC201095, IC257406, IC257435 showed highly resistant reaction against leaf spot and CMV and accessions IC257410 and IC214753 showed resistance against rust and leaf spot. Some of the accessions identified against earliness are IC201087, IC201099, IC202707and IC202709 (68-75 days maturity). Such of the superior germplasm lines identified for earliness, multiple disease resistance, bold seed (100 seed weight > 12g) and desirable seed features would be further useful in Cowpea breeding program as parents.