Seed phenotypic variations in cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, from selected open markets in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract. Ikhajiagbe B, Ogwu MC, Omage ZE. 2023. Seed phenotypic variations in cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, from selected open markets in Edo State, Nigeria. Biodiversitas 24: 89-102. Understanding the phenotypic variation of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (cowpea) can facilitate sustainable utilization and support protein security goals. This study aimed to investigate the existence and level of seed phenotypic variations within and among three local cultivars of cowpea, namely Ife Brown, Ekpoma Local, and Sokoto White in Edo State, Southern Nigeria. This information will assist utilization, conservation planning, and breeding efforts. Key qualitative and quantitative characters were collected and analyzed using parametric and non-parametric tests. Results showed no variations in the qualitative parameters among the seeds of cvs. Ekpoma Local and Sokoto White. However, cv. Ife Brown varied significantly, particularly in seed color. Significant variations (P>0.05) existed in the seed quantitative parameters. The seed volume was the most diverse, with a coefficient of variation of 13.15-14.14. Further, the seed volume of cv. Sokoto White was the most diverse. Regarding overall variation, the group mean sum of squares for cv. Ife Brown was 146.95, compared to 26.18 and 31.23 for cvs. Ekpoma Local and Sokoto White, respectively, indicate that cv. Ife Brown was the most likely variable cultivar. There is a need for molecular characterization to ascertain the diversity observed in the cowpea seeds.