Genetic Variability Analysis for Yield and Quality Traits in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

Abstract

Research was undertaken to investigate genetic variability, heritability, and genetic progress in twelve yield-related and seed quality traits of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.). The study involved evaluating thirty-two cowpea genotypes in a randomized block design at Farming Systems Research Station, Sadanandapuram, India, during the 2022 rabi season. The existence of sufficient amount of genetic variability in the evaluated germplasm was ensured by the highly significant differences shown by the genotypes for all the traits in analysis of variance. Phenotypic variation exceeded genotypic variation for all traits, as indicated by higher phenotypic coefficients of variation compared to genotypic coefficients. High estimates of GCV and PCV were observed in traits such as plant height, hundred seed weight, and seed yield per plant. High heritability along with high genetic advance as percent of mean were observed for days to maturity, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, hundred seed weight, seed yield per plant, and seed calcium content indicated the predominance of genetic causes in the total variability of these traits, with heritability plausibly due to additive gene effects. Therefore, these characters have the potential for improvement through selection.