Morphological characterization and DUS evaluation of Mini cowpea genotype VRCP323

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a popular leguminous vegetable crop that is widely grown in the tropics and sub-tropics. The breeding of mini vegetable cowpea varieties with dwarfing growth type, early maturing ability, and good quality pods becomes necessary for intensive farming practices. In the current study, a new mini cowpea genoype VRCP323 was evaluated using DUS descriptors. The selected cowpea genotype showed early flowering (≤40 days), determinate bushy growth type, non-vining growth behavior, purplish colored pods, and early pod maturation (≤50 days). Pods were short, thin, smooth, and stringless while seeds were kidney-shaped and brick red colored. Based on the specific morphological traits, VRCP323 was successfully differentiated from other cowpea varieties, indicating its future application as a good mini vegetable cowpea variety.