Genotype x environment interaction studies for earliness and grain yield in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

Abstract

The study was conducted to estimate the effects of genotype, environment, and genotype × environment interaction for earliness and grain yield in three different environments. Eighty genotypes comprising twelve lines, five testers, their resultants sixty F1 crosses, and three checks were evaluated in randomized block design during the Kharif-2023 cropping season. Analysis of variance showed mean squares owing to environments (E) and genotypes (G) were extremely significant, indicating genotypes and settings under study were diverse. However, on the basis of earliness and stability parameters, the crosses Phule Sonali x SNAGR 12-33, Phule Vithai x EC 101998, and Phule Vithai x IC 326997 for days to 50% flowering; Phule Sonali x IC 329764 for days to maturity, Phule Vithai x IC 622602, GC 3 x IC 329764, Phule Sonali x EC 101958, and Phule Sonali x IC 329764 101958 for grain yield manifested stable performance in all three environments. Such crosses showing stable performance across the environments and may be useful in a breeding program for evolving early and high yielding cowpea hybrids for well adapted to varying environments.