Combining ability for green pod yield and its components in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

Abstract

The experiment was conducted with six diverse lines, two each from Vigna unguiculata ssp. unguiculata (vegetable type), V. unguiculata ssp. unguiculata (grain type) and V. unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis (vegetable type) as female parents and four testers from unguiculata ssp. unguiculata (three vegetable type and one grain type) as male parents were crossed in line x tester matting design. The ICP-38, ICP-42, Indira Hari and Arka Garima were good general combiner for earliness and ICP-42, ICP-54, Pusa Komal, Arka Garima and Indira Hari for green pod yield. The cross combinations ICP-42 x Arka Garima, ICP-54 x Indira Hari, ICP-26 x Khalleshwari and ICP-49 x Khalleshwari were found best specific combiner for number of pods whereas, crosses ICP-42 x Arka Garima, ICP-42 x Indira Hari, and ICP-54 x Arka Garima were identified as best specific combiner for green pod yield and also expressed high per se performance along with high heterosis