Variability and Cluster Analysis of Morphological, Fodder and Seed Yield Attributes of Cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp; Germplasm for Identification of Donor Sources

Abstract

Cowpea is a multipurpose crop grown for fodder, grain and improving soil fertility. For improving cowpea,
a set of 168 exotic and indigenous genotypes of cowpea Vigna unguiculata including three cultigroups, i.e.
unguiculata, catjang, sesquipedalis, with three checks and one local control were evaluated at Experimental
farm, Crop Improvement Division, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, during 2004-05 and
2005-06 in augmented block design. Pooling of the data, Non Heirarchical Euclidean Cluster analysis using
SPAR-1, formed 12 clusters for 20 trait variables. Genetic variability, and frequency distribution of forage and
grain yield, yield attributing characters were also performed for selection. On the basis of clustering in the present
study identification of donor sources in respect of forage and grain yield was done, i.e., for higher biomass/plant,
IL-1177, IL-3171 and IL-966-B; higher fresh leaf/stem ratios, HY6P52-3, IL893 and IL-99-171; dry matter
yield/plant, IL-1177; IL-3171 and IL-449; the maximum pod bearing lines were IL-90, EC240809, IL3117.