Many factors can affect the yield of cowpea, especially viruses. The main species of viruses infecting cowpea in Brazil are Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV), Cowpea severe mosaic virus (CPSMV) and Cowpea golden mosaic virus (CPGMV). This study aimed to evaluate the reaction of cowpea genotypes for resistance to CMV in single or in co-infections (CMV+CABMV, CMV+CPSMV-I and CMV+CABMV+CPSMV-I), which was accomplished in two steps. Firstly, 57 genotypes were evaluated in four evaluations: three in aphid proof cages with infection under controlled conditions, and one in field-grown plants under natural infection. To perform the second step, we selected 18 genotypes to be conducted in nine trials, with eight under aphid proof cages control infection, and one under natural infection. The qualitative and quantitative effects resulting from infections were evaluated. In the field trial, we assessed the number of asymptomatic plants, pod length, number of grains per pod, 100-grain mass and yield. Mixed infections reduced the plant height and dry weight, and premature death of some genotypes was observed in infections involving the three viruses. The genotypes BR17-Gurguéia, Epace V-96, TE97-309G-9, TE97-309G-22, TE97-309G-24 and Patativa showed the best behavior in relation to the mixed viral infections, presenting seeds with appropriate commercial standard and with potential for using in breeding programs.
Vigna unguiculata; virus resistance; synergistic effect
