Inheritance of three agronomic characters in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

Summary

The genetics of three agronomic characters are studied in seven cowpea crosses.

Seed size. In crosses between large and small seeded parents, small seeds appear to be partially dominant. There is transgressive segregation for small seeds. Broad sense estimates of heritability range from 49% to 82%. Correlation and regression coefficients between F₁, F₂, F₃ and their respective progenies indicate that selection for seed size will be very effective starting from the F₂ generation.

Number of seeds. Fewer number of seeds is partially dominant over larger number of seeds. There is transgressive segregation for fewer number of seeds. Estimates of broad sense heritability range from 16 to 73%.

Pod length. Short pods are partially dominant over long pods. In one cross there is transgressive segregation for both short and long pods. Estimates of broad sense heritability range from 46 to 67%.