1. INTRODUCTION
• Common Name :Cowpea; Black-eyed bean, Horse bean, Black-eyed pea,
Southern pea, Yard long bean, Asparagus bean,
• Scientific Name : Vigna unguiculata
• Chromosome number :2n=22
2. ORIGIN
• Primary centre of origin : Africa
• Secondary centre of origin : India, china
• Place of domestication :Ethiopia, Central, south, and west Africa,
4. BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
• The plants range from erect , sub-erect, prostrate and are all annual.
• The leaves are trifoliate with entire leaflets.
• Flowers join in cluster of two to four flowers and are white, yellow or violet.
5. FLORAL STRUCTURE
• Inflorescence is an unbranched, axillary raceme bearing several flowers at the tip of
peduncle.
• Flowers are in alternate pairs.
• Gamosepalous
• Corolla is papilionaceous and having three different kinds of petals such as standard,
wing, and keel.
• Stamens are diadelphous (9+1)
• Anthers are bright yellow.
• Anthers are uniform and ovary is superior with many ovules.
6. ANTHESIS
• There are 2-3 flowering period
• Takes 11-14 days for the flowers to develop and bloom.
• Flower opening at morning from 6-10 am.
• Dehiscence of anther prior to blooming i.e.; 10 pm-1 am
7. SELFING
• Cowpea is being a self pollinated crop it dose not required any artificial selfing
methods but for the betterment we generally go for bagging of the mature
flower bud.
8. CROSSING
• Cowpea flowers are large and showy.
• Emasculation carried out in mature flower bud in preceding evening.
• Pollination is done simultaneously or in next morning from a freshly opened
flowers.
9. BREEDING OBJECTIVES
• High green pod yield
• High seed yield
• High fodder yield
• Dual purpose
• Appropriate plant type
• Resistance to disease
• Resistance to insects
10. HEALTH BENEFITS OF COWPEA
1. Prevent Cancer
2. Prevents Anaemia
3. Supports a Healthy Metabolism
4. Helps Maintain Strong Bones
5. Encourages Mental Well-being
6. Helps heal and repair muscle tissue
11. CONTINUE… .
7. Helps maintain bowel health
8. Supports a Healthy Cardiovascular System
9. Supports Immune system
10. Prevent Cold Sores
11. Prevent Depression
12. Prevent Depression
