Comprehensive Morphological Characterization of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Genotypes for Enhanced Breeding Programs in Jammu and Kashmir

Muneeb Ahmad Rather¹, Ajaz Ahmad Lone², Zahoor Ahmad Dar², Saima Fayaz¹, Bilal Ahmad Mir³ and Latif Ahmad Peer^1*

¹Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

²Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Dryland Agriculture Research Station, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

³Department of Botany, North Campus, University of Kashmir, Delina, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Corresponding Author E-mail:peerlatif@gmail.com

Abstract:

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important legume crop that is recognized for its adaptability to diverse climates and nutritional value. In Jammu and Kashmir, however, its genetic diversity is limited, hindering full yield potential. This study aimed to characterize 72 cowpea genotypes from various regions of Kashmir through Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) characterization. Twenty-four agro-morphological traits were assessed following the guidelines of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV&FRA). Key traits, such as stem color, flowering time, pod length, growth habit, and seed characteristics, were evaluated for distinctness and breeding value. The analysis identified promising genotypes such as C15 (medium seed length and black eye color), CP23-3 (high pod count), C32 (spreading growth and late maturity), TPTC-29 (early flowering, erect growth), C28 (tan eye color, medium seed size), and KDC-39 (high seed count per pod, late flowering). The genotypes exhibited favorable traits, such as early flowering, robust growth, strong pod attachment, and varied maturity, supporting breeding programs aimed at improving cowpea yield and adaptability in climate-stressed regions.

Keywords:

Agro-traits; Breeding programs; Cowpea diversity; DUS characterization; Phenotypic variation

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