VIRUSES OF COWPEA, VIGNA UNGUICULATA L. (WALP.), IN NIGERIA

The cowpea strain of tobacco mosaic virus was isolated from a range of leguminous hosts at Ibadan, but was rare in cultivated crops. Systemic symptoms in species infected experimentally are described. A new virus of cowpea was also found in Nigeria. The physical properties (thermal inactivation point 56 degrees C., dilution end-point 1/50,000 and longevity in vitro 4 days at 25 degrees C.) differ from those for cowpea viruses reported elsewhere and the name cowpea yellow mosaic virus is proposed. This virus produces local lesions in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and local and systemic lesions in Bengal bean (Mucuna aterrima Holland), but does not infect other leguminous hosts. The virus was purified and an antiserum prepared against it. Both viruses are transmitted by a beetle (Ootheca mutabilis Sahlb.) which loses infectivity within 48 hr. of leaving plants infected with either or both viruses.