IT610-2E is an improved cowpea (beans) variety developed with the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. It is bred for resistance to Maruca vitrata, the pod borer that can cause up to 90% yield loss, so farmers can cut down on insecticide sprays. It also resists the parasitic weeds Striga and Alectra. It matures early (70–75 days), is semi-erect, photoperiod-insensitive and has medium-large white seeds.
Product details
- Crop: Cowpea (beans)
- Variety: IT610-2E
- Maturity: 70–75 days
- Growth habit: semi-erect, photoperiod-insensitive
- Seed: medium-large, white
- Resistance: Maruca pod borer, Striga, Alectra (as stated)
- Soil: well-drained sandy loam, pH 5.5–6.5
- Pack size: per kg
How to plant
- Plant when rains are steady: June–August in the north, or the late season in the south so pods dry in dry weather.
- Sow 2 seeds per hole, 3–5 cm deep.
- A common spacing is 75 cm between rows and 20–25 cm between plants.
- About 20–25 kg of seed plants one hectare.
Care after planting
- Weed at 2–3 and 5–6 weeks after planting.
- Cowpea fixes its own nitrogen; a light phosphorus fertilizer (e.g. SSP) at planting helps.
- Still scout for aphids, thrips and pod-sucking bugs; Maruca resistance does not cover all pests.
- Harvest when most pods are dry and store grain in airtight bags.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need to spray IT610-2E cowpea?
Fewer sprays are needed against Maruca pod borer, but you may still need to control aphids, thrips and pod-sucking bugs.
How long does IT610-2E take to mature?
About 70–75 days after planting.
How much IT610-2E seed do I need per hectare?
About 20–25 kg per hectare at common spacing.
Can IT610-2E grow on Striga-infested land?
It is stated to resist Striga and Alectra, which helps on infested land in the north.
Delivery
We deliver across Nigeria. Orders within Oyo State of ₦200,000 and above ship free, or you can pick up from our store. Need advice on the right product or quantity? WhatsApp us on 0810 845 2311.
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