TRANSMISSION OF COWPEA APHID BORNE MOSAIC VIRUS ...

The majority of the viral diseases of cowpea lead to overall stunting, reduction in leaf size, mottling,
mosaic, leaf chlorosis, leaf distortion, leaf curling, vein clearing, necrotic local lesion and death
(Akinjogunla, 2005).
1.1.1 Economic Importance of Viral Diseases of Cowpea
The effects of viruses can be devastating and are a major constraint to the production of cowpea
(Thottappilly and Rossel, 1992). Resultant effect of cowpea viral diseases such as poor pod
formation and quality has been a major constraint in cowpea production in most part of the world.
Diseases of plant viruses affect some parts of cowpea plants including
the leaves, foliage, pods and
young seedlings. (Thottappilly and Rossel, 1992).
The production of cowpea is constrained by a vast array of pathogenic organism and insect. Infection
can result in loss of saleable produce from the plant .Infection by several viruses occurs in cowpea
production which reduces its yield and quality of pod. (Lovisolo et el., 1966)
1.2 Objective of the study
To investigate seed transmission of cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) in seed coat and
cotyledon of cowpea.