Review on characterization of cowpea germplasm in terms of distinctness, uniformity, stability and novelty for morphological, quality and yield attributing parameters

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is the most important grain legume crop grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In India cowpea is grown as sole, mix-crop, intercrop systems. Cowpea is however, the only pulse suited to both arid and semi-arid regions and adapted better than any other pulses in high rainfall regions. As a good source of proteins, calcium and iron, it is recognized for many routine uses of food, feed, forage, fodder, vegetable and a number of dishes prepared from its grains. India being a secondary centre of diversity for cowpea, possess huge germplasm and wild relatives of cowpea thus, it supplements to the genetic resources of worldwide cowpea collection. Characterization of germplasm became mandatory for varietal registration and to apply for a plant breeder right.