Breeding improved varieties of cowpea

Description

Cowpea is an important source of nutritious food and fodder and it is grown as an integral component of various cropping systems in the semi-arid tropics and sub-tropics covering over 65 countries. This chapter describes existing cowpea programs and past challenges, with a particular focus on cowpea breeding at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA). The chapter gives an account of the most important examples of progress made to date, including cowpea international trials, and suggests future lines of research for the future.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Production constraints 3 Cowpea breeding programmes and past challenges 4 Cowpea breeding at IITA 5 Highlights of progress made 6 Cowpea international trials 7 Future trends and conclusion 8 Where to look for further information 9 References