genetics and breeding,bioengineering and biosafety,genomics,cowpea in the systems,biotic stresses,post harvest and utilization,socio-economics.

1. Matters arising from 5th WCC
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2. Sessions Oral presentation Poster
A – Scientific Sessions
Genetics and Breeding 9 11
Bioengineering and 10 -
biosafety
Genomics 8 6
Cowpea in the systems 13 10
Biotic stresses 9 6
Post harvest and 10 7
Utilization
Socio-economics 8 5
B – Special Sessions
PICS 6 -
Bt cowpea Special 10 -
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3. Some Key Findings
Genetics and Breeding:- new orientations to breed
cowpea varieties with enhanced human nutrition and
health benefit traits.
Bioengineering and biosafety:- Bt cowpea under CFTs in
Nigeria.
- Cowpea with a-amylase gene from common bean
proposed
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4. Genomics
- An improved consensus genetic linkage map of cowpea
based on six RIL populations spanning 680 cM in 11
linkage groups with an average density of one marker
per 0.73 cM was presented.
- An update of cowpea genome sequencing presented,
including a summary of partial genome assembly into
contigs and coupling of these contigs to the physical
map via alignment to BAC-end sequences and the
genetic map via alignment to the sequences of mapped
genes.
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5. Purdue Improved Cowpea storage: dissemination of
technology
Biology of maruca in cowpea pest management
Data on cowpea production and consumption: More
comprehensive than before
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6. Gaps/Weaknesses
• Poor participation by African NARS scientists
and students
• Host plant resistance research: very limited
activities reported
• Health benefits of cowpea consumption: No
report
• Processing
• Industrial/Private sector
• Germplasm characterization still limited
• Natural resource management – Planting pattern
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7. Cowpea grains being prepared
for flour
Bread with 10% cowpea
flour
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8. Conclusion
• The leading role played by IITA in world cowpea
research and development was reflected and
acknowledged by several participants
• IITA should take the opportunity given by this
conference to develop a long term strategy for cowpea
research, also with regard to the implementation of
CRP3.
• A meeting involving all the scientists working on the
crop is needed to identify the research priorities leading
to the improvement of cowpea productivity in sub-
Saharan Africa.
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