Abstract
Legumes are economically important crops for the achievement of food
security status in many countries in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Among various environmental stresses, biotic constraints to the production of grain
legumes such as cowpea and soybean are becoming increasingly significant with the
recurring change in climatic patterns and diverse environmental alterations. The
economic impact of biotic factors such as disease-causing pathogens (fungi, bacteria,
viruses and nematodes), insect pests and parasitic weeds has become overwhelming.
These biotic stressors induce a wide range of damage symptoms which include
stunting, wilting of stems, defoliation, root rots and premature death of plants. Yield
losses due to the activities of biotic stress factors have been very significant. Hence, it
is imperative to be informed of the various biotic stressors that affect the growth and
yield potential of cowpeas and soybeans in various cropping systems. This review
seeks to highlight existing pests and diseases in cowpea and soybean and evaluate their
impact on the growth and productivity of these crops. It is hoped that the review will
further spur scientific research into how these biotic factors can be managed or even
manipulated to ensure agricultural sustainability, high economic returns, and global
food security.