Path analysis of F3 populations in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

Path analysis of F3 popuiations in cowpea were studied for nine traits viz., plant height, number of branches per plant. number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, hundred seed weight, crude fibre content, crude protein content and seed yield per plant. Path analysis indicated that number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, crude protein content and plant height had high positive direct effects on seed yield while pod length, hundred seed weight number of branches per plant and crude fibre content had negative direct effects on seed yield. Pod length and hundred seed weight had positive indirect effects on seed yield through number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and crude protein content. The study suggested that the characters, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, and crude protein content could be considered while formulating selection indices in the improvement of cowpea.