Impact of brown blotch disease on cowpea production in Burkina Faso: A genotype-based approach

Abstract

Thirty six Colletotrichum capsici (L.) single spore isolates associated with brown blotch disease in
cowpea were collected from three agro-ecological zones of Burkina Faso from October to November
2014. To identify the most virulent strains, cowpea genotypes KVx61-1, KVx396-4-5-2-D and Moussa
Local was inoculated with each isolate. The results showed that isolates 096-SA-2, 071-FA-6 and 079
PM-2 were the most virulent, respectively, in North Soudanian, Soudanian and Sahelian zones. To
identify brown blotch disease resistant cowpea, each of the isolates was used to inoculate 41 different
cowpea genotypes. Inoculated cowpea plants were evaluated for brown blotch disease severity at 7, 14
and 21 days after inoculation. Highly significant differences (P < 0.001) were found among genotypes,
isolates and their interactions. Seven cowpea genotypes including KN-1, Moussa Local, Donsin Local
and Melakh were identified as resistant and present specific resistance to the isolates. These genotypes
can be used to improve cowpea resistance to brown blotch disease in Burkina Faso.