Effect of variety and apron star on incidence and severity of cercospora leaf spot disease of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria

\n\tField study was conducted during the 2015 raining season, at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Dry land farm, to evaluate the effect of Cercospora leaf spot disease and seed dressing chemical (Apron star) on different varieties of cowpea viz. Sampea-7, Sampea-8, Sampea-9, Sampea-11, Sampea-15 and Ex-Yumfa. Randomize Complete Block Design was used for the study. Results revealed that all the varieties were infected by Cercospora leaf spot disease at varying level. Ex-yumfa had highest disease incidence and severity both at 9 WAS and at harvest (40.385% and 55.128% incidence at 9 WAS and at harvest respectively) and (35.537% and 65.186% severity at 9was and at harvest). Lowest disease incidence was observed both at 9 WAS and at harvest on Sampea-15 (19.911% at 9 WAS and 28.884% incidence at harvest) and (11.911% and 21.852% severity) and no significant difference was recorded between dressed and undressed. Ex-Yumfa had lowest 100 grain (g) weight and yield per ha-1while Sampea-7,8,9 and 11 are statistically similar also, there was no significant difference between dressed and undressed seeds in 100 grains weight seed and yield.