Description
Cowpea Seeds | IT610-2E
This new variety of cowpea seeds IT610-2E is an improved variety that has been bred for resistance against a wide range of insect pests including Maruca vitrata.
The IT610-2E variety of cowpea resists insect pests, enables farmers to significantly reduce pesticide applications, and harvest bigger yields
IT610-2E was developed by scientists at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in collaboration with various partners under the coordination of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation
IT610-2E was bred for resistance to Maruca vitrata, a lepidopteran insect pest that causes up to 90 per cent yield loss in severe infestation cases.
This new variety is early maturing (70 – 75 days) with semi-erect growth habit and photoperiod insensitive and has medium-large white seeds. It is also resistant to Striga and Alectra, two notorious parasitic weeds.
Cowpea is a food and animal feed crop grown. The grains contain 25% protein and several vitamins and minerals. The plant tolerates drought, performs well in a wide variety of soils, and being a legume replenishes low fertility soils when the roots are left to decay.
Cowpea’s high protein content, its adaptability to different types of soil and intercropping systems, its resistance to drought, and its ability to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion make it an important economic crop in many developing regions. The sale of the stems and leaves as animal feed during the dry season also provides a vital income for farmers.
Cowpea is a warm-season crop well adapted to many areas of the humid tropics and temperate zones. It tolerates heat and dry conditions but is intolerant of frost. Germination is rapid at temperatures above 65°F; colder temperatures slow germination.
Cowpea performs well on a wide variety of soils and soil conditions but performs best on well-drained sandy loams or sandy soils where soil pH is in the range of 5.5 to 6.5.
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