Genotypes Evaluation for Outperformed in Growth and Yield of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in Varanasi Region of Uttar Pradesh

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is a versatile legume crop valued Tor its high nutritional content, drought tolerance and dual-purpose use as food and fodder. Each region has unique conditions, including varying climates, soil types and pest pressures. Despite its potential, limited information is available on the performance of diverse genotypes under the agro-climatic conditions of eastern Uttar Pradesh. In the Varanasi region, where climatic variability and soil constraints often limit legume productivity, identifying high-yielding and well-adapted cowpea genotypes is essential to enhance crop productivity, resource-use efficiency and sustainability of the cropping systems.

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2021 and 2022 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Ten cowpea genotypes (PGCP-28, PGCP-63, PGCP-68, PGCP-69, PGCP-73, CP-6, CP-7, Kashi Kanchan, Pant Lobia-1 and Pant Lobia-5) were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. Data were recorded on various growth, yield and quality parameters and analysed using standard ANOVA procedures.

Significant differences were observed among genotypes for most traits. Genotype PGCP-68 exhibited superior performance with the highest grain yield (1648 kg/ha), number of branches per plant (18.8), pods per plant (13.6), seeds per pod (14.8), 100 seed weight (19.2 g) and protein content (26.8%). PGCP-68 also recorded the highest total dry matter (43.6 g/plant) and harvest index (56.3%). Based on these findings, PGCP-68 was identified as the most promising genotype for cultivation in the Varanasi region.