Correlation and path analysis studies in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to analyse the association and perform path analysis in forty- two cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes which were evaluated in Randomised Block Design with two replication during Rabi 2024-25 at the College of Agriculture, Dapoli. Correlation analysis at both genotypic and phenotypic levels revealed that seed yield per plant had significant and positive associations with plant height at maturity, number of branches per plant, clusters per plant, pods per cluster, pods per plant, pod length, test weight, and harvest index. Path coefficient analysis, also carried out at both genotypic and phenotypic levels, indicated that test weight, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, number of branches per plant, number of pods per cluster exerted the positive direct effects on seed yield. These traits can be effectively targeted in selection strategies to improve seed yield in cowpea breeding programs. The strong genotypic correlations and direct effects suggest the predominance of additive gene action. Thus, early generation selection based on these key traits would accelerate the development of high-yielding cowpea genotypes with desirable agronomic profiles.