Vector Meson Couplings to Nucleons and Backward ρ and ω Production

Data on the production of vector mesons ρ and ω in the backward direction via nucleon exchange areinvestigated. A better understanding of these data is achieved than hitherto, albeit at a semi-quantitative level. Thisis achieved partly by using more up-to-date values for the vector couplings and partly by using more precise theoreticalformalism. In view of this we conclude that the data do provide a useful constraint on the couplings.