Cowpea Diversity 1: Origins and Importance

Vigna unguiculata is the legume commonly known as cowpea or black-eyed pea. These plants have the extraordinary ability to withstand extreme conditions and improve soil quality, all while producing highly nutritious beans. Dr. Maria Muñoz-Amatriain is working to harness the diversity of cowpeas to broaden the range of environments in which they are grown. As the climate changes, it is increasingly important to promote the use of such water-efficient crops in farms and grocery stores around the world.
This video was produced by Colorado State University’s Center for Science Communication, in conjunction with Colorado State University’s Department of Soil and Crop Sciences and the United States Department of Agriculture. Funding was provided by USDA-NIFA-Higher Education Challenge Grant (2020-70003-303930), with additional support from USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation, CSU Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center, and Colorado State University. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, lender.