Genetic Screening of Cowpea Varieties [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] for Aphis craccivora Resistance in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is a highly sought after legume of populations in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. Its multiple uses meet the needs of farmers because it contributes to food security and contributes to people's incomes. The use of resistant varieties is the most advantageous method because of its compatibility with integrated pest management. The objective of this study was to identify with the marker CP171 / 172 the cowpea varieties resistant to A. craccivora .Ten (10) varieties are conducted in Greenhouse for tested of resistance to aphids. The seedlings were artificially infested with five aphid nymphs and the assessment of their responses to symptoms of aphid damage was made on the basis of qualitative and quantitative criteria, namely: stem height, number of leaves, leaf surface primary, number and damage of A. craccivora. After DNA Extraction and Polymerization Chain Reaction in the Laboratory, two varieties (ENMD2 and NML50) revealed aphid resistance: these results show the effectiveness of Marker Assisted Selection in Varietal Selection programs to conserve and sustainably manage these resources.