Variability and correlations in cowpea populations for green-grain production
Cristiane Lopes Carneiro de Souza, Angela Celis de Almeida Lopes, Regina Lucia Ferreira Gomes, Maurisrael de Moura Rocha, and Erismar Mesquita Silva
The phenotypical, genotypical and environmental variability and correlations in cowpea were estimated, aiming at the selection of lines for green-grain production. Both parents and 62 lines (39 F4, 16 F3BC1, 07 F3BC2) were evaluated. The experiment was conducted in Teresina, Piauí, where the following traits were evaluated: stalk length; plant height at flowering; number of nodes on the main stem; number of secondary branches; number of pods per plant; pod width, length and thickness; number of grains per pod; weight of 100 grains; and grain yield. The 14 lines of the F4 population achieved high grain yields, with purple pods and white grains; they can be recommended for selection for green-grain production. Selection for more pods per plant may achieve a higher grain yield.