Variability in Qualitative Morphological Traits and Protein Content among Cowpea Genotypes

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important leguminous crop valued for its nutritional quality and adaptability to diverse growing conditions. Variability in protein content and qualitative morphological traits provides opportunities for identifying desirable genotypes for crop improvement. Therefore, characterisation of cowpea germplasm is essential for assessing phenotypic diversity and identifying promising genotypes with desirable nutritional and morphological characteristics for future breeding programmes. The present study was conducted to characterise 16 cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) genotypes, including two commercial checks, for protein content and qualitative morphological traits at the Horticultural Complex, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Protein content and six qualitative traits, namely flower colour, pod colour, pod shape, pod stringiness, pod fleshiness and seed colour were evaluated. Protein content varied considerably among the genotypes, ranging from 19.00% in VNR CP-27 to 27.75% in 2011/COPBVAR-1, Japani Laldana and Kashi Kanchan. Light purple flowers were the most frequent, occurring in seven genotypes (43.75%), followed by purple flowers in six genotypes (37.50%). Light green pods predominated in eight genotypes (50.00%), while straight and slightly curved pods were each observed in seven genotypes (43.75%). Fibre presence was recorded in 10 genotypes (62.50%) and fleshy pods occurred in 10 genotypes (62.50%). Seed colour also exhibited variation, with dark maroon being a commonly observed category. The observed diversity in protein content and qualitative morphological traits highlights the potential of the evaluated germplasm for selection and further evaluation for nutritional quality and desirable pod characteristics. The findings provide useful baseline information for cowpea germplasm characterisation and future breeding programmes targeting nutritional and market-preferred traits.