Abstract
ABSTRACT Landraces are sources of genetic variability, especially with respect to alleles that confer tolerance to biotic and abiotic factors and, therefore, can aid breeding programs in the development of promising cultivars. However, it is necessary to know this genetic patrimony at a level that allows its alleged use in breeding programs. In this sense, the objective of this study was: (i) to identify cowpea landraces that present agronomic potential and (ii) to evaluate the genetic diversity for future cross-breeding. For this, two trials (coastal and sertão of the state of Ceará) were carried out in distinct periods for the morphological and agronomic characterization of eight landraces of the state of Ceará plus two control cultivars. Both assays were conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Additionally, the molecular characterization by ISSR markers was done. Due to the presence of interaction genotypes by environments, it was observed for the conditions of the coast (Fortaleza), the traditional variety Boi Deitado and the conditions of the sertão (Madalena) to Vinagre Barrigudo de Caldo, as the most indicated to be superior in grain yield and in other agronomic characters. In order to increase the genetic base of the cowpea, we suggest crosses between genotypes Boi deitado and Cojó for the generation of segregating populations of future breeding programs.
Highlights
The cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is a crop that plays an important role in human and animal nutrition in several countries (CHEN et al, 2017a), constituting an important food source for populations in Latin America, Asia and Africa (CHEN et al, 2017b; TAN et al, 2012)
Crop yields in the state are lowest in the region (256 kg ha-1), the results are worse when compared to other producing regions of the country, such as the Midwest, which presents an average of 1146 kg ha-1 (CONAB, 2019). This may be justified by some factors, such as: predominance of subsistence farming in the Northeast, inadequate supply of inputs and management, and use of varieties with low agronomic potential (DIAS; BERTINI; FREIRE FILHO, 2016)
The fertilization was done according to the soil analysis (Madalena = K+: 0,31 cmolc kg-1, Passimilable: 5 mg kg-1; Fortaleza = K+: 0,15 cmolc kg-1, Passimilable: 59 mg kg-1) and the recommendations for the crop (CRAVO; VIÉGAS; BRASIL, 2007)
Summary
The cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is a crop that plays an important role in human and animal nutrition in several countries (CHEN et al, 2017a), constituting an important food source for populations in Latin America, Asia and Africa (CHEN et al, 2017b; TAN et al, 2012). Crop yields in the state are lowest in the region (256 kg ha-1), the results are worse when compared to other producing regions of the country, such as the Midwest, which presents an average of 1146 kg ha-1 (CONAB, 2019). This may be justified by some factors, such as: predominance of subsistence farming in the Northeast, inadequate supply of inputs and management, and use of varieties with low agronomic potential (DIAS; BERTINI; FREIRE FILHO, 2016). There is a need for greater technical assistance and development of cultivars adapted to the region (DA SILVA et al, 2018)
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