Stability analysis of components characters in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)

Abstract

Stability of yield and its attributes were assessed for nineteen genotypes over twelve environments (two seasons 2009 and 2010 × six planting dates), to determine the quantitative responses of cowpea genotypes. The interaction between genotypes and environments (G×E) were significant for all the characters studied characters except pod length, hundred seed weight and weight of pods per plant. The longest pods and heaviest hundred seeds weight were produced by genotype TVU 21, IT82C-116, providing the highest number of seeds per plant. Whereas, Sudany genotypes gave the highest number of pods per plant and heaviest seeds per plant, Blackeye Crowder genotypes had the heaviest pods per plant and total dry seed yield. The best season and planting date are fall season, third planting date (August, 15 th) for most studied traits. The stable genotypes were Chinese Red, IT81D1064, IT85F2205 and Sudany for total dry seed yield.