Correlation coefficient analysis for various quantitative traits in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] Genotypes under different environments (E1, E2, E3 and pooled basis)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season 2015 and kharif 2016 to determine correlation coefficient among 30 genotypes for twelve quantitative characters and one qualitative character i.e. protein content taken into consideration. The result revealed that seed yield per plant exhibited significant positive correlation at both genotypic and phenotypic level with biological yield, harvest index and 100-grain weight in (E1, E2, E3 and over pooled basis) and also with pods per plant and number of cluster per plant in atleast two environment (E1, E2 and on pooled basis) and plant height in E2 only. However, seed yield per plant exhibited positive correlation with plant height and pod length both in atleast two environments (E1, E3) at both genotypically and phenotypically. Seed yield also revealed with seed protein content non-significant and negative correlation at both genotypic and phenotypic level in environments (E1, E2, E3 and also on pooled basis). Thus, the present study suggests that selecting high yielding Cowpea genotypes for further breeding program.