Characterization of cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp genotypes based on morphology

The objectives of this study were to evaluate genetic variation among cowpea genotypes and to determine the relationships among morphological traits with seed yield. In the majority of genotypes, growth habit was erect type, and the growth pattern was a determinate type. Based on twining habit genotype classified into two group, viny with 4 genotypes and non-viny with 36 genotypes. Leaf shape of all genotypes observed high variation (globose-2, sub globose-10, hastate-1 and sub hastate 27). Flower colour varied from whitish purple to light purple or dark purple and immature pod pigmentation varied from purple pigmented tip or without pigmented tip. However, mature pod colour varied from straw colour to light pink colour. Based on pod curvature genotypes showed straight pod curvature to curved pod curvature. Based on seed colour, the genotypes were grouped as four with black colour, three with reddish brick colour and brown colour and light brown with 30. Based on shape of seed the genotypes were divided into three classes oblong, kidney and rhomboid shape. Based on seed size, all the cowpea genotypes (40) were divided into three groups. 27 genotypes exhibit highest 100 seed weight (>10 g) grouped as large seed, one genotype exhibit low 100 seed weight while 12 genotypes exhibit medium seed weight (7-10 g).