INCIDENCE OF VIRUS-LIKE SYMPTOMS ON COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA L.WALP.) GROWN IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Cowpea plants on farms were visually examined for virus symptoms in nine cowpeaproducing local government areas (LGAs) of the state between June and July 2022. Three cowpea fields, each in a different location, were randomly selected from three LGAs chosen from each of the three agricultural regions in the study area. Twenty plants were examined for virus symptoms on every farm, and distinct symptom types were captured using a digital camera. Data on the types of virus symptoms was collected. Disease intensity was estimated by recording the incidence and severity of a total of 486 plants from 81 fields. Collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA (P=0.05). Six symptom types and symptoms showing mixed infections were observed on cowpeas in the field. The most prevalent virus symptoms were mottling (80.9%) in Makurdi and Ado, chlorosis (64.3%) in Gwer-West, mosaic (44.3%) in Oju and leaf size reduction (25.6%) in Ukum. Detection of virus pathogens associated with leaf mottling, the dominant symptom type on cowpea in the state, should form the basis for further investigations and disease management.