Cowpea

The story of cowpea (black-eyed peas) is a fascinating example of how science can solve the world's biggest problems—even more fascinating is the story of the scientist behind the research. B.B. Singh wrote this book to serve as an accessible summary of cowpea breeding, management,and use. He has devoted his life's work to solving the ""protein gap"" of the Green Revolution in which the emphasis on corn and wheat neglected the protein-rich legumes vital to plant-based nutrition. Today,under his careful tending, cowpea truly has become the food legume of the century. From genetics to recipes, he gives a full account of how cowpea belongs in our global agriculture and in every diet. Along the way, he shares his inspiring story.

Foreword ix Preface xi Origin, Distribution, and Importance 1 Botany and Physiology 17 Production Constraints 35 Genetics and Breeding 55 Improved Cowpea Cultivation and Seed Production 87 Cowpea Uses and Markets 125 Future Prospects of Cowpea 145 Glossary 158 Selected References 165 About the Author 169