By ELISA serology, we have detected and identified the following seed-borne viruses in Vigna unguiculata seedlots, processed cooperatively with the government of Denmark as potential germplasm introductions: BLACKEYE COWPEA MOSAIC, COWPEA APHID-BORNE MOSAIC, COWPEA MILD MOTTLE, COWPEA MOSAIC, COWPEA MOTTLE, COWPEA SEVERE MOSAIC, CUCUMBER MOSAIC, and SOUTHERN BEAN MOSAIC VIRUSES. Twenty-three of 155 seedlots from 10 old-world countries were found to contain one or more of these viruses. TOBACCO RINGSPOT and URD BEAN LEAF CRINKLE VIRUSES are known to be seed-borne 1n cowpea, but were not included in assays. At least six other cowpea-crop-damaging viruses, as yet inadequately characterized, are also reportedly seed-borne in cowpea in India and countries of west Africa. We are currently characterizing viruses in Vigna pre-introductions and selected germplasm accessions, with emphasis on seed-borne potyviruses. Comparisons among B1CMV and CAMV isolates, for which cowpea sources of genetic resistance have been identified, revealed a wide range of isolate pathogenicity for both viruses.
Production objectives and breeding practices of urban goat and sheep keepers in West Africa: regional analysis and implications for the development of supportive breeding programs
