Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies in Cowpea

Genetic variability and correlation coefficients in 40 promising varieties of cowpea were studied. Considerable genetic coefficient of variation, heri-tability and expected genetic advance were present in the varieties studied. Number of pods per plant had the highest genetic coefficient of variation (52.52 per cent.). Heritability was considerable for 100-grain yield, days to flowering, pod length and days to maturity. Expected genetic advance was appreciable for number of bunches, 100-grain weight, pod number, pod length and yield. Hundred-grain weight was found to have high heritability and high genetic advance and as such this character, seems to be of considerable value to the breeder for selection.