Genetic variability and heritability of some selected of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) lines

Abstract

The success of most crop improvement programs largely depends upon the genetic variability and the heritability of desirable traits. The magnitude and type of genetic variability help the breeder to determine the selection criteria and breeding schemes to be used for improvement purposes. Two different but related experiments, one in 2011 rainy season (August to November) and the second in 2012 dry season (February to May) were carried out at ICRISAT-Kano, Nigeria screen house to estimate the genetic variability and heritability of some traits in selected cowpea lines. Results of the study showed that there were considerable variations among the lines for duration of vegetative and reproductive phase and for yield characters (seed/pod, number of pod/plant, weight of pod/plant, and 100 seed weight). Broad sense heritability estimate (h2) was 83% for 100 seed weight, 53% for Number of seed per pod, 48% for days to first flower and 46% for number of root nodules. This information showed that there is sufficient genetic variability to justify selection for improvement in the cowpea. This result will be of immense practical uses for plant breeders to choose parent of interest to meet different breeding objectives