Variability studies in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp.)]

Genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance were assessed for 50 genotypes of cowpea. Nine characters, namely days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, length of the pod, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight and seed yield per plant were studied. High genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation were observed for plant height, number of pods per plant, seed yield per plantt and number of branches per plant. The heritability and genetic advance were quite high with high genotypic coefficient of variation for plant height and days to 50 per cent flowering indicating the preponderance of additive gene effects. Hence these characters could be improved through pedigree breeding method.