Screening cowpea genotypes for resistance to cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus (CABMV) and cowpea severe mosaic virus (CPSMV) in Paraguay Alonso Guillermo1, Duarte Pablo1, Camelo-Garcia Viviana M.2, Esquivel-Farina Arnaldo3,*, Kitajima Elliot W.2, Rezende Jorge A.M.2, Gonzalez-Segnana Luis R.1 1Department of Biology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National University of Asuncion, Av. Mcal. Lopez3492San Lorenzo, Paraguay 2Department of Phytopathology and Nematology, Higher School of Agriculture "Luiz de Queiroz", University of Sao Paulo, Av. Padua Diaz 11, Piracicaba, S P, Brazil 3Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Senator Long 312, Asuncion, Paraguay *Corresponding Author: Arnaldo Esquivel-Farina, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Senator Long 312, Asuncion, Paraguay, Email: arnaldo.esquivel@gmail.com
Online published on 6 November, 2023. Abstract Background Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.] is one of the Paraguayan rural families main crops, serving as an essential protein and carbohydrate source. Cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus (CABMV) and cowpea severe mosaic virus (CPSMV) were identified infecting cowpea plants. Disease control caused by both viruses is difficult because there is no information about local cowpea resistant cultivars and vector control is not practical. Methods In the present work, sixteen cowpea genotypes/cultivars were mechanically inoculated with local isolates of CABMV and CPSMV to identify resistant genotypes/cultivars that can be used in breeding programs. Virus infections were determined by symptoms expression and confirmed by PTA-ELISA. Result Genotypes Arroz rojo (V. angularis), TVu 379, TVu 382, TE94-256-2E and TE97-309G-9 were resistant to CABMV. Genotypes Arroz rojo (V. angularis), CNCX-698-128F, TVu 379, TVu 382, TVu-3961, TE97-309G-9 and TE97-309G-3 were resistant to CPSMV. Overall, this study showed that local cowpea cultivars do not offer any resistance to virus infection and the need for resistant germplasms for cowpea breeding programs in the country. Top Keywords Comovirus, Cowpea, Potyvirus, Resistance. Top |