Carbohydrate oxidases (SCO) represent a class of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and in the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a key molecule in redox signaling and in the activation of plant defense responses. In this study, the transcriptional responses of the SCO gene were analyzed in three sunflower genotypes exhibiting contrasting reactions to O. cumana infestation, using a controlled artificial infestation system. The resulting expression profiles were correlated with the resistance or susceptibility phenotypes of the analyzed genotypes. The results revealed significant transcriptional differences among genotypes. Resistant genotypes showed an early and tightly regulated induction of SCO expression during the pre-attachment phase, followed by moderate and sustained activation associated with effective restriction of parasite establishment. In contrast, the susceptible genotype Performer exhibited a delayed and unbalanced response, insufficient to prevent successful infestation.
Long-term alcohol intake can damage the lining of the small intestine by increasing harmful oxidative processes. Melatonin is a naturally produced substance in the body known for its strong protective and antioxidant properties. This study examined whether melatonin could protect the duodenum against alcohol-induced injury in adult rats. Sixteen female Wistar rats were divided into four groups and treated for twenty-eight days with 1 ml/kg of 50% alcohol, 5 mg/kg of melatonin, both substances together, or neither. Changes in body weight, antioxidant activity, lipid damage, and duodenal tissue structure were assessed. Alcohol exposure reduced weight gain, weakened antioxidant defenses, increased lipid damage, and caused marked injury to the duodenal lining. Treatment with melatonin significantly improved weight gain, restored antioxidant balance, reduced tissue damage, and preserved normal duodenal structure. Melatonin alone produced no harmful effects. These findings suggest that melatonin protects the duodenum against alcohol-induced damage, possibly through attenuation of oxidative stress.
This study evaluated the performance and nutrient digestibility of West African dwarf goats (WADG) fed dietary levels of rice milling waste (RMW). Twenty-four West African dwarf bucks (average weight 5.49 kg and aged 6–8 months) were used for the study. Four experimental diets were formulated and designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4. T1 was the control and contained 0% of RMW while T2 contained 10%, T3 20% and T4 30% of RMW. The experimental goats were randomly assigned to four the dietary treatments: T1, T2, T3 and T4 in a completely randomized design. The trial lasted 90 days. Nutrient intake, body weight changes, haematology, serum biochemistry and nutrient digestibility were studied. Supplement dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T3, while DMI as a percentage of body weight was higher in T1 and T4. Crude protein intake was lower (p<0.05) in T4. Neutral detergent fibre intake was higher (p<0.05) in T4. Acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin intakes were high (p<0.05) in T3 and T4. Daily weight gain was highest (p<0.05) in T2. The feed conversion ratio were better (p<0.05) in T1, T2 and T3. Packed cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin concentration were improved (p<0.05) in T1 and T2, while haemoglobin, red blood cell count, and mean cell volume were lower (p<0.05) in T4. Crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin digestibility were high (p<0.05) in T1. The study concludes that rice milling waste can be incorporated into the diets of WAD goats at levels up to 30% without adverse effects on performance, or digestibility. Better results in weight gain, feed conversion, haematology and nutrient utilization were observed at 10% inclusion and hence recommended for enhanced goat production.
Ageing is the sequential deterioration of biological functions indispensable for persistence and reproduction. When deterioration reigns above synthesis, the organism ages; UV-induced photoageing is one of the causes of DNA damages leading to premature ageing and there is increased demand for use of phytochemicals as protective agents as senescence inhibitors. Several phytochemicals are being under active research for senolytic effects. In the present study, we focussed to identify the senolytic effects of betaine in UV induced experimental ageing models. L929 cells were subjected to UV treatment to mimic photoageing and the cells were treated with varying concentrations of betaine from 6.25 to 100 μg.mL-1. The impact of betaine on UV exposed cells was determined by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation using 2'-7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) staining. Comet assay and galactosidase staining was done to analyse the extent of DNA damages and senescence respectively. Betaine-associated protection against UV photoaged L929 cells was evident with concomitant increase in cell viability and significant restoration of cellular morphology. With UV exposure, ROS generation was found to be increased and was reduced in betaine co-treated groups. Betaine significantly reduced UV induced DNA damage as evident from decreased tail length in cotreated groups compared to the increased tail length in UV irradiated groups. X gal staining confirmed the senolytic effects of betaine. The experimental results validate that betaine can curb both oxidative and DNA damages triggered by UV rays proving the potential anti-ageing properties as well as its prospective uses in therapeutic and cosmetic settings.
The tobacco industry produces thousands of tons of toxic waste annually, containing nicotine at concentrations ranging from 3% to 6% (w/w). Traditional waste management approaches entail high costs and negative impacts on the environment and human health. Microbial biotechnology may be used for the simultaneous detoxification of nicotine and recovery of bioactive compounds from tobacco waste (TW). The systematic review is based on the guidelines established by PRISMA 2020 and seeks to find data on bacteria-based approaches to TW valorization, structured around the PICO framework. The literature search was conducted between April and June 2026 across Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, and Google Scholar, supplemented by reports from World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and Grand View Research. Following duplicate removal and screening of 201 studies, 13 research articles and 7 organizational reports met the inclusion criteria. Of the 13 studies, 7 focused on NDM strains, 4 on nicotine-tolerant non-NDMs, and 2 on co-culture systems. Functional pyridines were the most frequently recovered compounds, with pharmaceutical applications being the predominant target sector. The findings confirm that microbial valorization of TW aligns well with circular economy principles. Nevertheless, some limitations must be acknowledged: the screening process was conducted by a single author, and the considerable heterogeneity of experimental conditions across the included studies precluded a quantitative meta-analysis, making a narrative synthesis the only viable approach. Future research should prioritize scale-up studies and safety validation of the produced compounds.
Currently, the summer snowflake is suffering distributional and populational declines across its range, and due to this local scarcity, it is protected by law in several countries within its distribution range. The distribution of this species in the Republic of Moldova is very little studied, and currently this species is classified as critically endangered in the 3rd edition of the national Red Data Book, with only seven known locations. This short communication aims to reveal a new location of the summer snowflake – „Prutul de Jos” Scientific Reserve, increasing the conservation importance of the reserve even more.
This study assesses the proximate composition and anti-nutritional profiles of three groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) breeding lines: (SAMNUT-26×ICGV-91328, SAMNUT-23×ICGV-91324, and SAMNUT-24×ICGV-91328). Seed samples of these hybrid lines were obtained from the Seed Centre at the College of Agronomy, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria. Standard analytical methods were employed to determine moisture, ash, crude fibre, lipid, protein, carbohydrate contents, and selected anti-nutritional parameters, including phytic acid, oxalate, and cyanide levels. Moisture content varied from 6.29% in SAMNUT-23×ICGV-91324 to 7.05% in SAMNUT-26×ICGV-91328. Ash content ranged between 3.26% and 4.50%, with SAMNUT-23×ICGV-91324 exhibiting the highest value. Fibre content was relatively stable, with a narrow range of 2.91%–3.14%. Lipid concentration was highest in SAMNUT-26×ICGV-91328 (47.00%) and lowest in SAMNUT-23×ICGV-91324 (46.12%). The highest protein content (22.85%) was recorded in SAMNUT-24×ICGV-91328, while carbohydrate content peaked at 18.37% in SAMNUT-23×ICGV-91324. Regarding anti-nutritional factors, SAMNUT-23×ICGV-91324 had significantly higher cyanide levels (5.10 mg/100g) compared to the other two lines (P < 0.05), followed by SAMNUT-24×ICGV-91328 (4.63 mg/100g) and SAMNUT-26×ICGV-91328 (2.56 mg/100g). Similarly, the highest oxalate concentration was observed in SAMNUT-23×ICGV-91324. Overall, the results reveal notable compositional differences among the groundnut hybrid lines, with SAMNUT-24×ICGV-91328 emerging as the most nutritionally advantageous candidate based on its superior protein and balanced nutrient profile.
Phytase is a crucial enzyme widely employed in animal nutrition and agriculture for hydrolyzing phytic acid (phytate), the primary storage form of phosphorus in plant tissues, thereby releasing digestible inorganic phosphate. However, its commercial application is often constrained by the thermal instability of enzyme, particularly under the elevated temperatures used in industrial feed processing. To address this limitation, the present study aimed to develop a robust and scalable yeast-based expression system capable of producing a thermostable form of phytase. A novel expression plasmid, pESC-TRP6HisHA, was constructed, featuring galactose-inducible bidirectional promoters, a 6×His-HA epitope tag for easy detection, and a secretion signal to facilitate extracellular expression. The PhyA gene from Aspergillus niger, encoding phytase, was cloned into this vector, resulting in the construct pESC-TRPHSignalSeqPhyA, which was subsequently transformed into Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Under galactose induction and phytin-supplemented media, the recombinant yeast successfully expressed and secreted active phytase, as evidenced by clear halo zones on phytin-containing agar plates. Biochemical assays demonstrated that the recombinant phytase exhibited significantly enhanced thermostability compared to the wild-type enzyme, retaining greater enzymatic activity after incubation at 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C for three hours. This improvement was supported by an aliphatic index of 83.2, suggesting moderate thermal resilience. The expression system offers a dual benefit of both secretion and potential surface display, enhancing flexibility for downstream applications. This study establishes a simple, efficient, and scalable platform for the production of thermostable phytase using genetically engineered S. cerevisiae. The system holds substantial promise for industrial applications, especially in animal feed manufacturing, where enzyme stability at high temperatures is critical. Future work will focus on optimizing yield, evaluating long-term stability, and conducting feed trials to validate its performance under commercial conditions.
Eleusine indica has been consumed for nutrition and management of many diseases including epilepsy, diarrhea, infections, dysentery, influenza, and hypertension. This study aimed at evaluating the phytochemicals, nutrients and anti-nutrients composition of ethanol leaves extract of Eleusine indica. Phytochemicals, proximate, and anti-nutrients content of the extract were determined using AOAC method. The levels of minerals in the extract were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometeric method and flame photometeric technique. The extract displayed significant (p < 0.05) amount of steroids (78.75 %), flavonoids (52.10 %), terpenoids (44.14 %), tannins (40.25 %), alkaloids (26.13 %), saponin (34.76 %) and phenols (36.00 %). The significant (p < 0.05) amount of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, moisture content, and carbohydrate observed in the extract was 7.43 %, 6.17 %, 24.60 %, 15.40 %, 13.50 %, and 35.50 %, respectively. The extract contains significant (p < 0.05) amount of magnesium (9.33 mg/100g), sodium (2.66 mg/100g), potassium (3.00 mg/100g), calcium (7.33 mg/100g), iron (4.68 mg/100g), zinc (8.89 mg/100g), and copper (5.48 mg/100g). However, low level of oxalate (2.36 mg/100g), alkaloid (1.42 mg/100g), saponin (3.27 mg/100g), phytate (3.30 mg/100g), and tannin (1.70 mg/100g) was detected in the extract. The ethanol leaves extract of Eleusine indica displayed significant amount of phytochemicals, proximate nutrients, and minerals suggesting its nutritional and therapeutic properties.
BCL-2 was the first anti-death gene. A key for oncogenic mechanism in several haematological malignancies, has been attributed to the upregulation of BCL-2 which is caused by numerous mechanisms. The aim of the study is to evaluate the BCL-2 gene mutation by its expression level and the resultant effect on haematological profiles among Chronic Myelogenous Leukemic (CML) patients in Ile Ife. This study was cross-sectional and a total of 100 consenting participants were recruited: 50 known CML patients and 50 control subjects. Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, a Referral Centre for haematologic malignancies, and Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, Ile-Ife, were used as the study centers. Full blood count was done using 3-part haematology auto analyzer (Mindray), while RNA extraction and qPCR Bcl-2 quantification were done using real time PCR equipment. The results obtained from the study shows that there are higher expression levels of the Bcl-2 gene in CML samples compared with control samples, attaining significant p<0.05. Bcl-2 overexpression, suggests that dysregulated Bcl-2 is potentially involved in the pathogenesis of CML. The haematology parameters also shows significant effect of Bcl-2 mutation (p<0.05) as follows: 30% leukocytosis was observed in CML with gene expression compared to normal leukocyte count observed among 43(86%) control and 29(58%) CML with no gene expression. It was noted that more than halve i.e 24% CML with overexpression have anaemia while more than halve i.e.44%CML with no expression and 70%control has normal PCV. The 14% thrombocytosis among the CML with gene expression compared to 2% among the non-expressed CML and 4% among the control is prognostic. The overexpression observed in this study is suggestive of a level that is characteristic of CML patients, and its association with anaemia, leukocytosis and neutrophilia and can be used in the evaluation of the disease and aid in the BCL-2 therapy.
Wingless (Wnt) signaling is a cascade known in the regulation of development and physiology. Abnormalities in the components of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway have been a major cause of cancer especially in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study investigates the effect of methanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata (MEFE) on the wnt signaling pathway considering beta-catenin and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) as key markers. This study further delves into the quantitative and qualitative phytochemicals present in the leaf extract. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) level and some haematological indices were also assayed for in the test animals. A total of forty-eight Wistar rats grouped into 8 cages were used for this study. The control group was the first group, group 2 was treated with extract alone (500mg/kg body weight) while group 3 rats were injected subcutaneously with 40mg/kg b.w of 1,2- dimethyl hydrazine (DMH) twice a week, group 4 was treated with both the leaves extract (500mg/kg b.w) and DMH, group 5 was treated with the leaves extract (750mg/kg b.w) and DMH, group 6 was pretreated with the leaves extract (500mg/kg b.w) before the administration of DMH, group 7 (post-treated) was given DMH for some weeks before the commencement of treatment with the leaves extract (500mg/kg b.w) and group 8 was given the carcinogen and treated with a standard drug (12.5mg/kg b.w of 5-fluorouracil} simultaneously. Appreciable amount of phenol, flavonoid, tannin and anthocyanidin were present in the plant extract. Alkaloids terpenoids, phytosterols, saponins and anthraquinones were also found in the plant. The plant was able to inhibit oxidative stress and also suppress the expression of β-catenin while enhancing the expression of adenomatous polyposis coli. The immune system of the rats was strengthened by the extract. The haemoglobin and red blood cell levels of rats treated with the plant extract were within the normal range compared to the control (p<0.05). Keywords: Wnt/β-catenin, Adenomatous polyposis coli, Colorectal cancer, Phytochemicals, Oxidative stress.
This study was undertaken to examine the haematological characteristics, serum biochemical indices, and lipid profile responses of rabbit does following dietary supplementation with turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome meal. A total of twenty-four rabbit does were randomly distributed into four treatment groups comprising six animals each, with each group further divided into three replicates of two does per unit. The animals were raised under intensive management in wired hutches, with all necessary welfare protocols observed. Four experimental diets were prepared to include turmeric rhizome meal at 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0% inclusion levels. At the end of a 16-week feeding period, 3 ml of blood was collected from a randomly selected doe per replicate into EDTA-treated tubes for haematological analysis. Additional samples were collected for serum biochemical assays. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) under a completely randomized design (CRD) with SPSS version 21. The results indicated that turmeric supplementation significantly (p<0.05) affected packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). PCV was highest in groups T3 and T1, with values of 39.33% and 38.00%, respectively. Significant (p<0.05) effects were also observed on serum urea, enzymes, and creatinine levels. Total protein values ranged from 64.50 to 71.50 g/dL. These findings suggest that incorporating turmeric at a 2.0% dietary level enhances haematological and biochemical profiles, thereby promoting improved health status in rabbit does.
Plant growth-promoting bacteria have emerged as promising eco-friendly alternatives to traditional agricultural practices. These beneficial microbes promote plant growth through various mechanisms including nitrogen fixation, production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), salicylic acid (SA), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and antimicrobial secondary metabolites. In this study, we performed a genome-based characterization of bacterial strain P1.5S using bioinformatic tools to identify genes associated with plant growth promotion. The draft genome of strain P1.5S is 3,667,318 bp in size, assembled into 13 contigs. Taxonomic analysis confirmed the identity of the strain as Bacillus safensis (dDDH: 80.6%; ANI: 97.84%). Our in silico investigation revealed gene clusters related to nitrogen fixation (10 genes), as well as genes involved in the production of IAA (12 genes), SA (7 genes) and VOCs biosynthesis. Additionally, the genome encodes biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties such as lipopeptides, peptides and polyketides. The presence of genes related to siderophore and hydrolytic enzymes production highlights the strain’s potential for biocontrol. Moreover, genes associated with root colonization further support the plant-beneficial potential of this strain. Bacillus safensis P1.5S is a promising candidate for agricultural practices, but further greenhouse and field studies are necessary to validate its potential.
The phytochemical constituents of Guiera senegalensis, a widely used traditional medicinal plant in Africa, were investigated for their potential biological activities. Ethanolic extracts of G. senegalensis leaves were fractionated, and the resulting fractions were analyzed using GC-MS and NMR techniques. Forty compounds were identified by comparing their spectral data with published references. The hexane extract exhibited promising anti-leishmanial activity against Leishmania major, with an IC₅₀ of 16.69 ± 0.3 µg/mL. The ethyl acetate fraction showed moderate activity (IC₅₀ = 89.63 ± 0.6 µg/mL), while dichloromethane fractions were inactive at concentrations exceeding 100 µg/mL. The extract demonstrated limited antibacterial activity, inhibiting only Bacillus subtilis with a 60.31% inhibition rate, and showed no antifungal effects. Cytotoxicity testing on 3T3 cells revealed less than 50% inhibition, indicating minimal toxicity at tested concentrations. These findings support the ethnopharmacological relevance of G. senegalensis and highlight its potential as a source of anti-leishmanial drug candidates.
Synthetic carbon-based nanomaterials, such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), carboxyl-functionalized nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH), and fullerene soot, are increasingly being utilised in practical industrial and agricultural applications. This reality raises concerns about their potential unfavourable ecotoxicological impact on aquatic ecosystems where they may accidentally end up. In this context, the present research aimed to evaluate several physiological and biochemical responses of plants belonging to the species Lemna minor L. when interacting with these types of nanomaterials, experimentally added at two concentrations (50 and 200 mg/L) to their culture medium over a 14-day cultivation period. The results obtained demonstrated the appearance in the test plants of functional effects dependent on the dose and nature of the tested nanomaterial, reflected by significant changes in photosynthetic performance (decreases in the content of photo-assimilatory pigments and the efficiency of photosystem II), as well as by the activation of biochemical markers of oxidative stress (increases in the content of flavonoids and polyphenols, changes in POD and SOD activities). The functionalized nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) induced the most pronounced biochemical responses, while fullerene soot had more moderate effects, possibly due to its reduced bioavailability in the cultivation media. The results highlight the sensitivity of Lemna minor to chemical stress generated by synthetic carbon-based nanomaterials present in the cultivation medium, thus confirming its usefulness as a model organism in ecotoxicological studies and emphasising the need for rigorous assessments regarding the potential impact of these nanomaterials on aquatic plants in natural ecosystems, to lay the groundwork for responsible ecological management strategies.
Thiol-disulfide homeostasis plays a vital role in cellular and systemic functions, regulating biosynthetic reactions, growth, transport, repair, and redox signaling through the dynamic interplay between thiol (-SH) and disulfide (-S-S-) states. This study evaluated the effects of copper coordination compounds with thiosemicarbazones (CCTs) on thiol-disulfide metabolism in 120 rats (Rattus norvegicus Albicans). The animals were divided into 10 groups by sex, with the control group receiving saline and experimental groups (Groups 2–10) administered specific CCTs (10 µg/kg, subcutaneously) for 30 days. CCTs, known for their medicinal potential, particularly as anticancer agents, enhanced antioxidant defenses by increasing total and reduced glutathione (tGSH, rGSH) and decreasing oxidized glutathione (GSSG). These findings underscore the potential of CCTs in modulating redox balance and their promise in therapeutic applications, including cancer treatment.
The aim of this study was to characterize starter cultures of LAB (lactic acid bacterium) and Bacillus spp. for controlled fermentation of cabbage and soybeans to achieve desired products. Cultured isolates were studied morphologically and revalidated using biochemical and molecular methods. Extracted DNA was amplified using two specific primers. Banding pattern at 1500bp showed the presence of LAB and Bacillus subtilis DNA amplified. La57 primer amplified amino acid antiporter gene that identified LAB while ENIF primer amplified endoglucanase gene that identified B. subtilis. The16S ribosomal RNA was sequenced using the Sanger’s method for strain specific identification. As a result, the test organisms were morphologically identified as Pediococcus spp and B. subtilis. They differed in the type enzyme production (4:7 respectively). Sequence alignment identified them as Pediococcus pentosaceus strain DSM20336 (LAB) and B. subtilis subsp. subtilis strain 168. This is the novelty in this work. Results showed that P. pentosaceus induced ferments contained the least number of isolates in cabbage (Lactobacillus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Pediococcus spp) and soybean (Bacillus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Pediococcus spp) unlike in spontaneous fermentation where 8-9 bacterial isolates were recorded. The study identified potential fermenting strains of bacteria that could be employed as potential starter culture in the industrial fermentation of vegetable and legume foods to boost food security in Nigeria. These findings have industrial and economic benefits.
From 21‑vi to 29‑vi‑2024 I made an odonatological study trip to Iaşi County, northeastern Romania. During this trip I examined 39 sites of both standing and flowing water and noticed 23 species of Odonata. Many sites are threatened by littering and drying out. The results of the trip demonstrate the summer aspect of the Southeast European dragonfly and damselfly fauna; neither spring nor autumn species were observed. Interesting from a faunistic point of view are the very early observation of immature Sympecma fusca at two sites, the northernmost record of Somatochlora meridionalis east of the Carpathians, and the almost complete absence of species of the genera Lestes, Aeshna, Gomphus s.l., Libellula and Sympetrum. The mentions of some species in the literature are critically examined.
Lead poisoning poses one of the major health challenges affecting all organ systems but mostly the nervous, renal, haematopoietic, liver and cardiovascular systems.This study investigated the effect of milk supplementation on markers of hepatic function and hematological parameters of lead acetate exposed albino rats.Twenty male albino rats were randomized into four groups of five rats each. Normal control received feed and water only. Lead group (Pb) received 80mg/kg body weight lead acetate. Standard control (Pb+Vit C) was given 80mg/kg lead acetate daily plus 100mg/kg of vitamin C, while treatment group (Pb+Milk) was given 80mg/kg lead acetate plus 400mg/kg milk. Animals were allowed access to feed and water. All administration was done once daily by oral gavage for 42days. Biochemical analyses were done using standard procedures.Rats exposed to lead showed a significant (p˂0.05) increase in the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin level, indicating liver dysfunction with a significant (p˂0.05) decrease in plasma albumin when compared with the control groups. The results also showed significant (p˂0.05) decrease in red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration with significant elevations in the mean corpuscular volume and platelet concentrations when compared with the control.Milk supplementation ameliorated the negative effect of lead on the liver and improved hematological parameters.
Cowpea scab disease, caused by Sphaceloma sp., significantly reduces yield. This study screened nine cowpea varieties for resistance to scab using both phenotypic and molecular markers (SSR and SNP). The varieties were artificially inoculated, and disease incidence and severity were recorded. Genetic analysis with SSR markers revealed polymorphisms between resistant and susceptible varieties. Results showed significant genetic diversity among cowpea varieties, with IT99K-573-1-1 and TVx-3236 being resistant, while FUAMPEA-4 and UAM-09-130-20-4 were susceptible. SSR markers CP 29/30, CLM 0348, and CP 67/68 were the most informative in tracking resistance.
