Genetic Variability and Heritability in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

The nature and magnitude of genetic variability was studied for grain yield and its related traits in 72 diverse genotypes of cowpea. Considerable amount of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for all characters. Moderate to high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean and genetic coefficient of variation was observed in respect of plant height, pod length, 100-seed weight, grain yield per plant, number of branches and number of pods per plant indicated that these characters were under control of additive gene or non-environmental effects and could be dependable for grain improvement in cowpea.