Multivariate hierarchical clustering of cowpea germplasm (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

The genetic variability available in evaluated material suggests scope for selection with regard to pod yield and associated characters. Studies indicated the existence of fairly high degree of variability for number of peduncles and pods/plant, pod weight and pod yield/plant. Higher estimates of heritability coupled with the higher genetic advance for number of peduncles/plant, number of days to flower, number of pods/plant and pod yield/plant indicated that heritability is mainly due to additive genetic effects. Correlation analysis pointed out the importance of number of peduncles/plant, number of pods/plant, average pod weight and pod length towards pod yield. Number of pods/plant exerted maximum positive direct effect on pod yield followed by pod weight, number of peduncles/plant and pod length. Selection pressure on these traits may lead to an over all increase in pod yield/plant. The inter-cluster representatives of distant clusters would be more useful for choosing the parents in cowpea breeding programme.