By Awyetu Asabe Hope
Researchers from the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) have developed new cowpea varieties resistant to Striga gesnerioides, a destructive parasitic weed affecting production across sub-Saharan Africa.
The Foundation said the newly developed gene-pyramided cowpea varieties showed strong resistance to different strains of the parasite while maintaining high yield potential.
The research was led by seed systems expert, Dr Isaiah Gabriel, alongside Professor Lucky Omoigui.
According to the Foundation, the researchers identified cowpea lines with low levels of Striga infection and high productivity, proving that resistance can be achieved without reducing yield.
“The study confirms that Striga resistance in these lines is controlled by two dominant genes, making breeding outcomes easier to predict and improve,” the Foundation said.
It added that the high heritability of resistance and yield traits means the improvements can be reliably transferred to future generations.
The researchers also observed a strong negative relationship between Striga infestation and crop yield, underscoring the need for resistant varieties to boost productivity and food security.
Dr Gabriel said the breakthrough could help secure the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers who depend on cowpea production.
“This work shows that we can develop cowpea varieties that are resilient against different Striga biotypes while maintaining strong yield performance,” he said.
The study used advanced marker-assisted breeding techniques to combine resistance genes from multiple donor lines into farmer-friendly cowpea varieties.
Unlike conventional methods that rely on a single resistance gene, the new approach provides broader and more durable resistance.
Researchers tested the new lines against composite Striga populations collected from different parts of northern Nigeria to simulate diverse field conditions and confirm the stability of the results.
The Foundation said the new varieties are now undergoing further field validation ahead of possible release to farmers in Striga-prone areas.
