Relationship among different secondary traits and seed yield in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Seed yield is the primary trait of interest, however, several secondary traits contributes in final yields. Contribution of various traits varies significantly, and therefore, identification of traits with their level of contribution into seed yield might help breeders in selection of high yielding cowpea varieties with simultaneous selection for seed along with trait(s) with higher contribution in final yields. We studied range of key secondary traits along with seed yield in cowpea genotypes to understand the hierarchy of contribution of various traits in seed yield. Analysis of variance revealed presence of significant variation among the genotypes for all the characters studied. Genetic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance was high for seed yield.