Towards Efficient In vitro Regeneration of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp): A Review

Abstract

Cowpea is a crop of tremendous economic and ecological values particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where over 80% of the crop is produced and consumed. Due to heavy attack by pests and diseases, actual yield does not exceed 20% of the crop’s potential in most of the production regions. Shortages of genes to combat biotic stresses in the germplasm and sexual incompatibility with wild relatives are major impediments in cowpea improvement. Genetic modification of cowpea with relevant genes can address these problems. Establishment of reproducible regeneration system is a prerequisite for genetic transformation of cowpea using transgenic technology. Cowpea is among the most recalcitrant crops for manipulation under In vitro condition especially via de novo process. However, strategies to regenerate cowpea under In vitro conditions have evolved steadily in the last three decades. In this review, we give a summary of cowpea regeneration work carried out so far and discussed approaches employed as well as challenges of developing efficient regeneration systems in cowpea.