Studies on some viruses infecting cowpea plants

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculatal) has an important role as a feeding crop. It can be used as green or dried seeds as a good diet for its high protein content. Cowpea is an important food and fodder legume in the sub-humid tropics of Africa. Estimated yield losses due to viral infection of cowpeas are between 10% and 100%. Over 140 viruses worldwide have been reported to attack cowpea and at least eleven of these viruses occur in Africa. Cowpea plants are often infected by more than one virus simultaneously with resultant yield losses.