Manjari: A Cowpea Aphid Borne Mosaic Virus (CABMV) tolerant yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis (L) Verdc) variety suited for problem zone of Kerala

Abstract

Cowpea is an important vegetable crop worldwide and it contributes to nutritional security, income generation and soil fertility enhancement. The production of cowpea is limited by several biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses, cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) is a major virus disease that results in substantial yield loss to the crop. The development and release of resistant varieties is the most viable option in the management of this disease. The objective of the study was to develop CABMV resistant cowpea varieties without compromising yield and quality which are suited for intercropping as well as pure crops. Backcross breeding for imparting disease resistance was performed in which CABMV resistance was transferred from the cultivar CO6. KMV1 is a superior variety suited for intercropping in coconut gardens and well suited to the special problem zone of Kerala but susceptible to virus disease. The segregating generations up to BC4F3 were evaluated for disease resistance and economically important traits. The economically superior selection having CABMV resistance was released as variety Manjari. The variety possesses the characteristics of tolerance to mosaic disease, shade tolerance, ideal for intercropping and very good culinary characters.

Keywords

• yard long bean
• cabmv resistance
• vigna ungiculata ssp. sesquipedalis