Combining ability analysis to identify dual purpose genotypes in cowpea

Abstract

A study was carried out to know the pattern of inheritance of fodder yield, seed yield and their related traits among 15 F1 hybrids derived from eight selected cowpea genotypes. Five lines (fodder types) and three testers (grain types) were crossed in L × T mating design. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation among crosses for all the characters. Most of the characters exhibited significantly higher SCA variances than the GCA variances, indicating preponderance of non-additive genetic components for all the characters except for days to maturity, dry matter content and crude protein content. Based on general combining ability effects, the parents MFC-09-12, MFC-08-14 and PL-3 were identified as good general combiners. The most promising specific combiners for green fodder and grain yield as well as its components identified were MFC-09-12 × PGCP-12 and MFC-08-14 × PL-3. These crosses would provide scope for further selection of dual purpose genotypes in cowpea.