Inheritance Patterns and Heterosis in F1 Cowpea Hybrids: Implications for Breeding Resilient Cultivars

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is an important grain legume in the tropical and sub-tropical regions, particularly in Africa and Asia.However, in spite of its relevance, as a consequence of its narrow genetic base, its productivity is limited due to its susceptibility to several biotic and abiotic stresses.This review describes the inheritance patterns of key phenotypic traits among cowpea F 1 hybrids derived from hybridization, showing consistent heterosis for yield component traits (such as the number of pods, number of seeds, and seed weight), phenological traits (such as the number of days to flowering and maturity), biotic and abiotic stressors, and qualitative traits like seed coat colour, governed by additive gene action, dominance, epistasis, and maternal effects.Empirical studies across diverse crosses highlight strategic parental selection's role in exploiting non-additive gene effects, while molecular tools such as quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and markers-assisted selection (MAS) enable precise trait introgression from wild relatives.These insights guide efficient breeding for resilient, high-yielding cultivars, enhancing cowpea's nutritional and economic value amid climate challenges.