Variability Studies for Fodder Yield and its Contributing Traits in Fodder Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.]

Ninety six accessions along with four check varieties of fodder cowpea were screened to know magnitude of genetic variability for fodder yieldand its contributing traits in fodder cowpea [Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.]. Analysis of variance revealed significant mean squares due togermplasm accessions for all the traits. The accessions were highly variable for dry weight of stem (g), total leaf area (m²/plant), green fodder yield (g), dry matter yield (g) and dry weight of leaf (g) and were least variable for days to 50 percent flowering. The higher estimates of PCV and GCV suggested considerable variability among the accessions for total leaf area (m²/plant), green fodder yield (g), dry matter yield (g), dry weight of leaf (g) and dry weight of stem (g). High heritability and genetic advance were exhibited for number of branches plant⁻¹, number of leaves plant⁻¹, total leaf area (m²/plant), green fodder yield (g), dry matter yield (g), dry weight of leaf (g), dry weight of stem (g) and leaf/stem ratio.