Efficiency of breeding methods in early segregating generations in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

Abstract

The segregating generations from the crosses C152 x APC412 and TVX944-02E x APC255 of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] were advanced through pedigree, bulk and single seed descent (SSO) methods. The selection was made from F2 based on seed yield per plant and advanced to F3 and F4 generations. The SSO populations matured early followed by bulk and pedigree populations. The shift in the means in positive direction were better achieved through pedigree method as compared to bulk and SSO methods in F3 to F4 generations for all the traits in both the crosses, whereas, in SSO and bulk populations the shift in the means were in either directions. The pedigree populations had high heritability estimates. The bulk and SSO populations had moderate to high value of heritability and genetic advance for most of the traits. For throwing superior segregants, the pedigree and SSO populations were equally efficient, but the bulk method turned out to be less efficient.