Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance studies for yield components in F2 generation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

The present investigation was carried out to study the genetic variability, heritability, expected genetic advance for growth and yield traits in F2 generation of 24 hybrids of cowpea. Wide range of variability was observed for all the traits except number of branches per plant and pod width. The high genotypic coefficient of variation was recorded for number of pods per plant, number of pods per cluster, mean pod weight and 100-seed weight. Higher heritability estimates coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were observed for plant height, number of branches per plant, flowers per cluster, pods per cluster, per cent pod set, days to last harvest, pod length, pod weight, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight and pod yield per plant. Hence, selection based on these characters would be rewarding for further improvement of cowpea.