Production Systems and Prospects of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) in the United States

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important legume crop with enormous nutritional, agronomic and economic value. Cowpea constitutes a large portion of the daily diet among many people in Africa, Asia, Central America, and Southern America. The United States was among the top 10 global producers of cowpea until 1967, when cowpea was grown primarily for soil management and livestock feed. With the projected increase in the minority population in the United States, from 25% in 1992 to 47% in 2050, it is expected that the consumption of cowpea in the nation will increase substantially. In this review, we provide information about cowpea production systems and prospects in the United States.

Automated summary

Cowpea is an important legume crop with significant nutritional, agronomic, and economic value, especially in Africa, Asia, Central America, and Southern America. With the projected increase in the minority population in the United States, the consumption of cowpea in the nation is expected to substantially rise.