Genetic variability studies in seed cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) genotypes

The thirty three genotypes of cowpea were evaluated for variability, correlation and path analysis for seed yield and yield contributing characters at Post Graduate Farm, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri during Kharif, 2020-21. The high magnitude of GCV and PCV were found for plant height, number of pods per plant and seed yield per plant. High heritability estimates accompanied with high genetic advance percent of mean was noticed for plant height, number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant, number of branches, test weight and days to 50% flowering while, high estimates of heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance percent of mean were observed for the characters days to maturity, number of seeds per pod and tannin content which is due to additive gene action and direct selection for such traits is rewarding in crop improvement. The characters number of pods per plant, plant height, test weight, pod length leaf and crude protein showed positive and significant correlation with seed yield per plant. The maximum positive direct effect on seed yield per plant was recorded by number of pods per plant followed by pod length, number of seeds per pod and test weight. The number of branches, number of pods per plant and pod length also contributed indirectly towards seed yield per plant.