Genetic divergence in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

Based on D² statistic, the forty genotypes of cowpea from different geographical origin were grouped into six clusters indicating wider genetic diversity. The clustering pattern indicated the absence of relationship between genetic diversity and geographical origin of genotypes. Based on genetic divergence, cluster means and per se performance, TC-2010-82, V-8981, JLCP-3, EC-343002, CP-105, Dhule Local, DLCP-1, PCP-23-2, Phule-CP-05040, KBC-1-M,RC101 and TPTC-1 have been found to be genetically diverse. Intercrossing among them would lead to upgrade genetic base in the base population and opportunities to obtain high heterotic effects. It will helpful to recover desirable transgressive segregants and wide spectrum of variability in subsequent generations.