Recent advances in research on cowpea diseases

Emechebe, A.M. & Lagoke, S.T.O. (2002). Recent advances in research on cowpea diseases. In C.A. Fatokun, S.A. Tarawali, B.B. Singh, P.M. Kormawa and M. Tamo, Challenges and opportunities for enhancing sustainable cowpea production. Ibadan, Nigeria: IITA, (p. 94-123).

Cowpea diseases induced by various pathogenic groups (fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and parasitic flowering plants) constitute one of the most important constraints to cowpea production in all agroecological zones where the crop is grown. This paper presents an overview of the major research findings on cowpea diseases since the 1995 World Cowpea Conference. The focal points include con sideration of the present state of scientific knowledge of these diseases with special emphasis on new information on etiology, biology, distribution, epidemiology, economic significance, and integrated disease management options. Knowledge gaps that should be bridged through research to minimize losses from these diseases are highlighted wherever necessary.