RESISTANCE TO CALLOSOBRUCHUS-MACULATUS F (COL, BRUCHIDAE) IN SOME COWPEA VARIETIES FROM SENEGAL

Seeds of 80 varieties from the Senegal cowpea breeding program collection were tested for bruchid resistance in a five replication study. Significant differences among the varieties were found in oviposition, progeny and bruchid emergence. The variety 58-57 which is that most grown in Senegal appeared highly susceptible. On the other hand, 6 varieties (59-12; 58-28; 66-50; 66-5; 58-16 D1 and 59-26) showed a high level of resistance. The basis of that resistance is under investigation so that the incidence of the cowpea weevil in Senegal can be reduced by selective breeding of cowpea varieties.