Genetic divergence (D2 statistics) analysis among 30 genotypes of cowpea, indicated the existence of considerable diversity. These genotypes were grouped into XI clusters. The cluster III was largest and consisted of 7 genotypes followed by cluster X of 4, cluster II, IV, V and VIII (3 in each), cluster I and VII (2 in each) and clusters VI, IX and XI consisting of only one genotype each. Maximum inter cluster D2 value was observed between I and XI, indicating that the genotypes included in these clusters had maximum divergence. The diversity among the genotypes measured by inter-cluster distance was adequate for improvement of cowpea by hybridization and selection. The genotypes included in these diverse clusters may be used as promising parents for hybridization to obtain better segregants in cowpea.
