Multivariate analysis of 102 Indian cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) germplasm

Abstract

Better understanding of genetic resources available in the crop is the crucial and foremost step in any breeding program. In the present study, 102 cowpea germplasm based on twelve quantitative characters were subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The PCA analysis dissected the total variation into five major principal components which accounted for 76.53 per cent of total variation. First two PC's were used to construct the biplot in which the genotypes viz., VCP-12-008, PG-CP-1, TY 1145, ACM 0505 are scattered apart in all the four quadrates representing maximum genetic divergence. Single plant yield followed by number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod contributes maximum divergence in the first PC. Hence, genetic and phenotypic variations exist among 102 cowpea genotypes could be used in genetic improvement of the cowpea through simple selection and crossing potential parents.