Genetic analysis of morpho-meteric traits in cowpea varieties

Genetic components of variance were estimated for eighteen morpho-meteric traits of 28 released cowpea varieties, grown for three consecutive seasons at Pantnagar. Pooled analysis of variance showed significant difference among all the studied characters. Expected mean for next generation were higher than grand mean and selection intensity ranged from 6.83 to 100.61%. Maximum values for selection intensity was computed for plant height (100.61%), seed yield per plot (77.71%) and pod length (71.12%). Traits viz., plant height (41.01%), seed yield per plot (39.44%) and pod length (27.82%) had higher genotypic coefficient of variation while phenotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 7.01 to 44.13%. Higher magnitude of heritability coupled with moderate to high genetic advance was recorded for plant height (80.36%), pod length (93.77, 55.49%), number of seed per pod (90.92, 23.93%) and 100-seed weight (88.48, 35.83%) indicating considerable variability present among experimental materials. Therefore, based on genetic parameters and breeding objectives, the suitable variety may be isolated and utilized as donor parent in the crossing nursery for development of an ideal variety with higher yield potential and better suitability under changing environmental conditions.