Regeneration and genetic transformation in cowpea

Over the last three decades, sporadic efforts have been made to develop regeneration and transformation systems in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp). This paper reviews the progress made to date, including highlights of culture media and explants used for regeneration and chimeric gene constructs employed in transformations. Progress has been slow, mainly due to limited resources, since very few laboratories have been involved. There is an urgent need for more focused and consistent efforts to develop genotype, and tissue-culture dependent and independent approaches for obtaining stable genetic transformation in cowpea