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Title: COWPEA BREEDING IN THE USA, NEW VARIETIES AND IMPROVED GERMPLASM

Author
item EHLERS, J. - UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
item Fery, Richard
item HALL, A. - UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

Submitted to: Cowpea World Conference Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/31/2000
Publication Date: 9/4/2000
Citation: Ehlers, J.D., Fery, R.L., Hall, A.E. 2000. Cowpea breeding in the usa, new varieties and improved germplasm [Abstract]. World Cowpea Research Conference III. Ibadan, Nigeria, 4-7 September 2000.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cowpeas are utilized in the U.S. as both a vegetable crop and a dry bean, and breeding efforts are focused on development of cultivars for specific end uses. Blackeye cultivars are developed for production of dry beans for national and international markets. 'California Blackeye No. 27' (CB27), a cultivar with a combination of high-value traits, was released in 1999. CB27 has high yield potential, superior seed quality, heat tolerance, and broad-based resistance to root-knot nematodes and Fusarium wilt. Most U.S. breeding programs have traditionally been directed towards the development of various classes of horticultural-type cultivars for the canning, freezing, fresh market, and home garden market sectors. The most interesting recent development in the horticultural arena is the acceptance of green-seeded cultivars by the freezing industry. 'Charleston Greenpack' is a leading source of raw product for the freezing industry. Development of snap, cover-crop, and insect- resistant cultivars will also be discussed.