Estimation of genetic advance, heritability, genetic gain and genetic diversity of elite genotypes of grain cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) walp.]

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted during kharif 2018 to evaluate forty-two genotypes including five checks, Pant Lobia 1, Pant Lobia 2, Pant Lobia 3, Pant Lobia 4 and Pant Lobia 5 of grain cowpea at Breeder Seed Production Centre to estimate genetic divergence, variability, heritability, genetic advance. Analysis of variance showed the presence of significant amount of variability in all the characters studied. Genetic divergence was performed by D-square statistics. Genotypes were divided into 8 clusters. Maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster VI and VII while maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster V. Mean values of different characters between different clusters was observed maximum for number of seeds per pod. Inter-cluster distance was higher than intra-cluster distance. High estimates phenotypic and genotypic variance was observed for yield per hectare. High estimate of PCV and GCV was observed for yield per plot. High heritability with high genetic advance was observed for plant height, yield per hectare and yield per plant. Moderate heritability and genetic advance were observed for days to 50% flowering while low heritability with low genetic advance was observed for leaf length. In the present investigation, on the basis of mean performance of genotypes PGCP 24, GCP 219 and GCP 378 were found superior of all the genotypes. Earliest 50% flowering was observed in Phule PCP 1124 and GCP-360 which is considered most important and desirable character in cowpea. Three genotypes namely, GCP 345 and GC 3 were identified as the most diversified and could be utilized in future crop improvement programmes.