Studies on hybrid vigour and combining ability for seed yield and contributing characters in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

The combining ability aids in better selection of parents besides elucidating the nature and magnitude of gene action. Heterosis and combining ability analysis were carried out in line x tester model using five lines viz., Kanakamany, Subadra, TC 49-1, Lola and Sarika and five testers viz., CO2, CO4, CO6, CO (CP) 7 and VBN 1. The results reveled that TC 49-1, Lola, Sarika, VBN1, CO2 and CO (CP)7 were found to be good general combiners for seed yield. Among the parents, TC 49-1, Lola and VBN1 were found good general combiners for days to 50% flowering, plant height, cluster / plant, pods, / plant, length of pod and number of seeds / plant. The crosses Lola x VBN 1, Sarika x VBN 1 and Sarika x CO (CP) 7 were the best specific combination for grain yield. The two crosses Lola x VBN 1 and Sarika x CO 4 showed significant heterosis over the standard latest variety CO (CP)7 for seed / pod, cluster / plant, pods / plant and 50% flowering. The crosses TC 49-1 x CO 2 showed high heterosis over standard variety for plant height and clusters/plant. Hence, these hybrids can be utilized for commercial cultivation.