Genetic Variability Analysis of Cowpea Genotypes Using Salt Tolerance Index

Salt stress responses of morphological and biochemical traits of 23 cowpea genotypes were determined at seedling stage. Understanding the genetic variability of biochemical traits will be useful for breeding and development of salt tolerant cowpea varieties. Hence, we determined the salt tolerance index (STI) of the traits, and the data obtained was analysed for genetic variation, heritability and genetic advance. Highgenotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were recorded for STI of proline, protein and chlorophyll a contents. High heritability was observed in STI of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, sugar, proline and protein contents. Heritability coupled with genetic advance as percent mean were higher for proline, protein and chlorophyll a, indicating preponderance of additive gene action in these traits. Therefore, these traits can be considered as selection parameters for breeding and developing salt tolerant cowpea varieties.