Sources of Cowpea Genotypes Resistant to Flower Bud Thrips

Flower bud thrip is destructive insect pests of cowpea and other legumes and can cause complete yield loss in severe infestation. Utilization of resistance in cowpea breeding is one of the most efficient and environmental friendly methods to control the pest. The objective of this study was to identify cowpea genotypes resistant to flower bud thrips. A total 220 cowpea minicore genotypes were evaluated for flower bud thrips and yield response under field conditions in three locations and three seasons. Analysis of variance was done and means separated using Fishers Protected Least Significant Difference. Correlation of traits was also computed using R statistical software. The results identified genotypes TVU-3804, TVU-7647 and Lori Niebe as resistant to flower bud thrips across locations and seasons. In addition, these genotypes had significant high yield performance across seasons. Significant positive correlation was observed between flower bud thrips damage and yield components, an indication of the negative effect caused by increased populations of thrips. The identified resistant genotypes could be used as parents in cowpea breeding program for development of cowpea genotypes that are well adapted to local environment but susceptible to flower bud thrips. Key words: Cowpea Improvement, Megalurothrips sjostedti, Minicore, Vigna unguiculata