Correlation Analysis on Yield Components of Cowpea Genotypes (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Abstract

Crop enhancement programs mostly depends on the genetic variability and the heritability of desirable traits for a successful breeding program. The degree and type of genetic variability aid the breeder in deciding the selection benchmarks and breeding schemes to be used for improvement purposes. This research was carried out at the Nasarawa State University, Faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research Farm, to study the inter-relationships among ten (10) designated traits of cowpea comprising, plant height, Plant weight, number leaves per plant, number of branches, no. of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, number of root noodles, weight of biomass, weight of pod, and 100-seed weight. Results from this study indicated the significance among the studied traits. The study indicates the magnitude of correlation coefficient among the studied traits. The positive correlation among most of the traits indicates the presence of strong relationship among them due to preponderance of genetic variance and genetic factors in the expression of traits. The result of grain yield showed high significant and positive correlation with plant weight, no of leave per plant, number of seeds per pod, weight biomass, seeds weight, and plant height which indicates that the traits are important in the improvement of cowpea yield through direct selection.