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Biochemical seed analysis in relation to bruchid resistance
Abstract/Description
Trypsin inhibitor content was determined in the seeds of 21 cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) lines (10 known to be resistant to Callosobruchus maculatus and 11 susceptible) whilst fatty acid composition was determined in 58 lines (11 resistant and 47 susceptible). A wide range in trypsin inhibitor contents was observed but these were not related to level of resistance. Total unsaturated fatty acid contents, however, were associated with resistance level, being lowest in the resistant lines. Six fatty acid ratios differing significantly between resistant and susceptible lines were identified.