dc.description.abstract | Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.), is an important grain legume grown majorly in Africa and
constitutes a valuable source of protein in the diets of millions of people. Some abiotic and biotic
stresses adversely affect its productivity. This study aimed at screening for host plant resistance
against a biotic stress, Cercospora Leaf Spot (CLS) among 35 cowpea genotypes collected from
IITA, Ghana and from within Uganda. The major breeding objective of this study is contributing
towards the breeding programme for genotypes with improved yield and CLS resistance. The
experiment was carried out at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute - Kabanyolo
(MUARIK). The thirty-five (35) cowpea genotypes were evaluated for resistance to CLS disease
in a 6x6 alpha lattice design with two replications under natural field conditions. Data on
Cercospora severity, plant vigor, number of seeds per pod, number of peduncles per plants, 100
seed weight, number of pods per plant and yield (kg/ha) were collected and analysis of variance
within genotype and their genotype mean performance was also obtained. The genotypes differed
significantly on the basis of Cercospora severity, plant vigor, number of peduncles, 100 seed
weight and number of pods per plant. Genotypes such as Hewale x NE 5-SF4:6/13 C2 Brown,
Hewale x NE 5-SF4:6/17 Brown, NE 55 x Hewale-SF4:6/19, WC 2 x IT90K-S277-S2-SF4:6/8
Brown, and the land race, WC 35C, were significantly resistant to CLS, while, genotypes; NE 55
x Hewale-SF4:6/17 Brown, WC 2 x IT90K-S277-S2 SF4:5/11 were relatively tolerant to CLS,
despite their high levels of CLS. Therefore, the above varieties with high level of resistance and
tolerance could be considered in the breeding programme since they had great yields despite the
presence of CLS. | en_US |