Variations in Phenotypic Characteristics of Vigna Unguiculata (L) Walp. Seeds Sourced From Open Markets in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Vigna unguiculata, ‘cowpea,’ is a crop of numerous varieties. In Benin City, Nigeria, the three common varieties are “Ife Brown”, “Ekpoma Local”, and “Sokoto White”. Being a very common delicacy and perhaps a cheap source of protein for the population, it is sold in nearly all available open markets. The crop is mainly consigned from numerous farms in the north and thus, is very amenable to genetic diversity. This study was undertaken to investigate the differences within and between these varieties. The seeds obtained from major open markets in Benin City were morphologically characterised quantitatively and qualitatively using standard descriptors. Seed length, width, thickness, weight, and volume were the quantitative parameters, while the qualitative parameters included seed brilliance, shape, eye colour, eye pattern, splitting of testa, testa texture, basal colour, pattern of variegation, colour of variegation, and basal colour of variegated seeds. Only “Ife Brown” varied in qualitative parameters, particularly the seed colour. Among the seed quantitative parameters measured, seed volume was the most diverse, with “Sokoto White” being significantly diverse compared to the others. “Ife Brown” was the most varied species among the three in the markets of Benin City, with a group mean sum of squares of 146.95.