Bush-type cowpea with high yield

The scientists at the Department of Pulses, Centre, for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore have released a new variety ‘CO (CP) 7 Cowpea. The bush-type cowpea variety with high yield potential, short-duration, with field tolerance to major diseases, and moderate resistance to pod borer pest released for commercial cultivation. This improved variety is a mutant derived from CO 4 variety through gamma irradiation technique. It has recorded an average grain yield of 900 kg per hectare. The variety produces grains with high protein content (23.5%). The bolder grains are better in colour, appearance, texture, flavour and taste. This early-maturing, drought tolerant variety is suitable for sowing at times when the onset of the monsoon is delayed.

(Courtesy-The Hindu)