Breeding potential of crosses derived from genetically divergent parents differing for yield and its attributes in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]

Abstract

Handling of segregating populations arising from a large number of crosses in Plant Breeding is a challenging and vital task. Identification of potential of the particular cross will aid in the selection of superior segregants. In the presentstudy, four crosses derived from parents contrasting for seed yield and most of its attributing traits was assessedby comparing the 11 quantitative traits, mean values, phenotypic coefficient of variation, standardized range andfrequency of transgressive segregants in F2 and F3 generations in cowpea. Based on per se mean value, variances,standardized range and frequency of transgressive segregants in F2 and F3 generations derived from four crosses,PL-2 × NBC-39 was predicted to have better breeding potential followed by PL-5 × EC-402104 in terms of chances ofisolating desirable recombinants in advanced generations. Increasing trend in mean values, variances, and frequencyof transgressive segregants for most of the traits from F2 to F3 generations derived PL-2 × NBC-39 and PL-5 × EC-402104 supported the conclusion, although a decreasing trend was observed for standardized range in all four crosses.Identification of 10 best F3 plants in PL-2 × NBC-39 indicated the utility of mean values, variances, standardized rangeand frequency of transgressive segregants in predicting the performance of a cross to maximize the frequency ofsuperior segregants in advanced generations