Bruchid resistance studies in advanced stabilized F6 lines derived from interspecific hybridization between cowpea and rice bean

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is an important tropical legume crop, its grain contains about 25% protein and 64% carbohydrate, therefore, it is also called as a vegetable meat. In storage, Callosobruchus maculatus, also called cowpea beetle, cowpea weevil or bruchid, is regarded as the most important and common pest of cowpea both in Africa and Asia. All vigna crops except rice bean are susceptible to bruchids. So in this context in the present study the 100 stabilized families in F6 generation of cross between cowpea and rice bean were evaluated.