Morphological characterization and DUS evaluation of a short-statured vegetable cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) genotype, VRCP323

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important warm-season vegetable legume valued for its high nutritional quality, adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions, and suitability for sustainable farming systems. The present investigation was undertaken to characterize and evaluate the vegetable cowpea genotype VRCP323 using the distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) descriptors. Morphological characterization was carried out using standardized descriptors covering vegetative, reproductive, pod, and seed traits to establish varietal identity and assess its suitability for varietal registration. The genotype VRCP323 exhibited several distinct and desirable characteristics that clearly differentiated it from existing vegetable cowpea varieties. It was characterized by an early flowering habit (≤40 days to 50% flowering), early pod maturity (≤50 days), determinate and compact bushy plant architecture, and a non-vining growth habit, making it suitable for high-density planting and intensive production systems. The tender pods were attractive purple in colour, soft in texture, short, slender, smooth, and completely stringless, indicating excellent market and consumer preference. Seeds were kidney-shaped with a characteristic brick-red seed coat, providing an additional diagnostic feature for varietal identification. The genotype exhibited a high degree of uniformity and stability for all recorded morphological traits, satisfying the essential DUS requirements. The unique combination of compact plant architecture, early maturity, attractive pod characteristics, and distinctive seed morphology establishes VRCP323 as a promising short-statured vegetable cowpea genotype suitable for kitchen gardens, terrace gardening, urban and peri-urban cultivation, and high-density commercial production.