Genetic variability studies for seed yield and yield component traits in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

Abstract

Thirty-two cowpea genotypes were evaluated in randomized block design to assess the nature and magnitude of variability, heritability and genetic advance for ten quantitative traits. Analysis of variance unveiled that differences among the genotypes were significant for all the characters considered indicating the presence of a substantial amount of genetic variation among the germplasm studied. High estimates of GCV and PCV were recorded for clusters per plant, seed yield per plant, pods per plant, plant height and seeds per pod, while high estimates of heritability were recorded for all the characters under study. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for plant height, seed yield per plant, clusters per plant, pods per plant, test weight, seeds per pod, pod length and branches per plant suggesting predominance of additive gene effects and these characters could be improved through selection.

Keywords

• cowpea
• gcv
• pcv
• heritability
• genetic advance