Stable gene transformation in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. walp.) using particle gun method

Ikea, J.; Ingelbrecht, Ivan; Uwaifo, Anthony O.; Thottappilly, G.

doi:10.5897/ajb2003.000-1044

Cited by 41 publications

References 35 publications

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et al. 2008

Compendium of Transgenic Crop Plants

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Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata var. unguiculata ) ((L.) Walp.), a crop native to Africa, is the most important legume grown on the continent, at least in terms of economics. It is a highly nutritious crop, consumed in many forms, including seeds as well as foliage; it provides excellent fodder for livestock as well. Well‐adapted to the semi‐arid tropics, it thrives even on relatively poor soils and low rainfall. Numerous viruses and diseases attack cowpea, but the limiting constraint is insects. Cowpea breeders have had some success in improving cowpea for insect resistance using methods described here, but certain insect pests, including the legume pod borer ( Maruca vitrata ), thrips and pod‐sucking bugs, have proven impervious to conventional breeding to improve resistance. Recently a methodology for genetically transforming cowpea has been developed and is being used to introduce Bt genes into cowpea for resistance against the legume pod borer. The transformation methodology is described, and there is given an overview of biosafety‐related and regulatory matters related to the introduction of Bt cowpea into Africa.

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