The pod borer (Maruca vitrata) is a major Lepidopteran pest that inflicts severe damage to cowpea on farmers’ fields. In severe infestations yield losses of between 70–80% have been reported. Control through spraying with insecticide has not been widely adopted by farmers due to the prohibitive costs; adopting farmers are often exposed to serious health hazards.

AATF is addressing this problem by facilitating development of transgenic cowpea varieties that are resistant to the Maruca pest. This will minimise insecticide use, and its effects on health and the environment.