Pheno-morphological characterization and Harnessing Genetic variability utilizing Diverse Cultivars, Promising Stabilized Cowpea x Rice Bean Inter-specific Derivatives in Fodder Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp sub sp. unguiculata)

Author: Megha S. Sogalad, Sanjeev K. Deshpande and Kavyashree N.M.

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Abstract

The present study on morphological characterization of diverse genotypes of fodder-type cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp subsp. unguiculata) based on DUS guidelines by PPV& FRA was carried out at botany garden of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, for 2 seasons i.e., Kharif 2021 and summer 2022. There is a growing need to develop suitable varieties for a specific region and specific use. Genetic variability is important to select characters, which are heritable unless and until there is a large amount of variability present in the population selection cannot be practiced. All 30 genotypes of fodder-type cowpea were grouped for seven morphological descriptors. However, no variability was observed for terminal leaf width as all the genotypes belonged to the long category except one. Less variability was recorded for the number of branches per plant and terminal leaflet length. The characterization of cowpea genotypes provides valuable information on the diversity of morphological and quantitative characters for strengthening the future breeding plan. The study on genetic variability parameters revealed high heritability coupled with high genetic advance over mean for the traits like stover yield per plant and dry matter content. Genetic correlation studies indicated that traits like dry matter content, leaf to-stem ratio and stover yield per plant showed a significant positive association with green fodder yield per plant and directly influenced the green fodder yield in fodder-type cowpea. Path analysis results suggested that except for days to fifty per cent flowering and days to maturity all traits viz., dry matter content, leaf to-stem ratio and stover yield per plant showed direct positive effects on green fodder yield per plant at genotypic level indicating that direct selection for these traits results in an increase in green fodder yield in cowpea.

Keywords

DUS, Descriptors, Morphological characterization, genotypes

Conclusion

The current investigation found that there is significant genetic variability among the fodder cowpea genotypes that were studied. The 30 genotypes of fodder-type cowpea varieties were all categorized into distinct groups based on the current characterization of each trait in line with the DUS guidelines by PPV & FRA, New Delhi. These genotypes and varieties can be utilized as a reference and as parents in breeding initiatives. The results of the study on genetic variability indicated that the traits leaf to-stem ratio, dry matter content, stover yield per plant and green fodder yield per plant were least influenced by environment and governed by additive gene action, thereby offering increased scope for improvement and developing high yielding fodder cowpea varieties.

References

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How to cite this article

Megha S. Sogalad, Sanjeev K. Deshpande and Kavyashree N.M. (2023). Pheno-morphological characterization and Harnessing Genetic variability utilizing Diverse Cultivars, Promising Stabilized Cowpea × Rice Bean Inter-specific Derivatives in Fodder Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp sub sp. unguiculata). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(2): 375-381.