Challenges, Progress and Prospects for Sustainable Management of Soilborne Diseases of Cowpea

Abstract

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp.)], is an important legume crop widely grown in the tropics. Biotic and abiotic stresses cause significant yield reduction in cowpea. In this chapter, we provide a synthesis of information on the damage/economic importance of soilborne diseases of cowpea and present options that can be used to manage these diseases. The aim is to demonstrate that a wide array of control options are available for potential use within an integrated disease management (IDM) framework. Reviewed literature indicated presence of several sources of resistance to fusarium wilt (FW) and charcoal rot but few sources for stem rots, collar rot and damping-off. Major resistant genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified for FW and charcoal rot and these may be exploited in marker assisted selection (MAS). Cultural practices such as crop rotation and compositing were found to be effective against soilborne diseases, however, there is lack of knowledge regarding their adoption. Similarly, several botanicals were found to be effective against several soilborne fungal diseases but these studies were limited to controlled environments necessitating the need for large scale field trials. Several effective microbial control agents (MBCAs) and fungicides exist and can be incorporated in IDM.