Genetic Variability and Heritability Studies in Bush Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

Abstract

The present studies were carried out to assess the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for different characters in 22 diverse genotypes of bush cowpea. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications during the period 2011-2012 at the Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, India. The analysis of variance indicated the prevalence of sufficient genetic variation among the genotypes from all the characters studied. Among the genotypes VU 6 (310.41 g) was the highest yielder. Pods per plant were highest in VU 8 (70.30) and pod weight in VU 20 (12.44 g). The high phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for pod weight, plant height, and pod length. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for all characters studied, except days to first flowering and days to first harvest indicating these characters are governed by additive gene action. Hence, direct selection may be followed for the improvement of vegetable cowpea for these characters.