Delineating Frequency of Heterotic Hybrids for Yield and its Attributing Traits in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.)] Cross Combinations

Background: Cowpea, popularly known as lobia (Vigna unguiculata L.) is a crucial pulse crop in the fight against hunger in underdeveloped nations. However, yield of cowpea is low just like other pulses and therefore, concentrated efforts are needed to increase its yield. Examining the genetic architecture of yield and the contributing features is necessary to enhance its productivity. Methods: Prsesnt study was conducted in cowpea in order to comprehend gene action and assess the predictability of frequency of heterotic hybrids based on parental gca effects. The 21 F1s effected using 7 lines and 3 testers were evaluated along with their parents for nine productivity per se traits. Each parent’s overall gca status (high or low), as well as each hybrid’s overall sca and heterotic status (high or low) across nine attributes, were ascertained. Result: Lines, PL 4, PGCP 12 and tester PL7 registered as good general combiners and cross GC 7 × GC 4 recorded high mean seed yield heterotic effect along with positive significant sca effect for seed yield per plant and its component characters. The perusal of per se performance as well as heterotic effect of crosses revealed that, the cross PL 4 × PL 7 was best for seed yield and its component traits. Among hybrids, ten (47.61%) and eight (38.09%) crosses were classified as having high (H) overall sca and heterotic status, respectively and remaining were classified as having low (L) overall sca and heterotic status. Furthermore, no inferences could be established regarding the frequency of heterotic hybrids based on gca effects because heterotic hybrids for productivity per se traits might be produced by parents with high, low, or contrasting gca effects in cowpea.