Breeding for long pod trait in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)
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Date
2013
Authors
Ogunkanmi, L. A.
Fakoya, A.O.
Adekoya, K.O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Scientific Research and Development
Abstract
In this study, a cowpea breeding programme was set up to develop varieties with long pods that may combine
early maturing and pest resistance. The strategies were to combine the early maturing characters of
cultivated cowpea (Vigna unguiculata ssp. unguiculata cv-gr unguiculata) with long pod characters of yard
long bean (V.unguiculata ssp. unguiculata cv-gr sesquipedalis) genotypes. Efforts were also made to cross
pest resistance of wild cowpea V.unguiculata ssp. dekindtiana var. pubescensor V.unguiculata ssp.
dekindtiana var.protracta with the yard long genotypes. Out of sixty one crosses attempted, only 1 success
was recorded. This revealed a very low success rate of the crosses (2.94%), which is probably due to specific
cross combinations, genetic divergence and environment. The only successful cross was between V.
unguiculata ssp. unguiculata cv-gr unguiculata and V. unguiculata ssp. unguiculata cv-gr sesquipedalis and
this was achieved when the former was used as a female parent. Morphological evaluation of the parents
from the successful cross revealed that the cultivated cowpea lines had larger leaves while the long pod
cowpea had conspicuously longer pods. However, the F1 seeds from the successful hybrid failed to germinate
when planted for hybrid testing.
Description
Keywords
Vigna unguiculata , breeding , long pod , hybrid
Citation
Ogunkanmi, L.A., Fakoya, A.O. and Adekoya, K.O. (2013). Breeding for long pod trait in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp). Journal of Sci. Res. Dev. 14 : 9-14.