Line x tester analysis for yield and rust resistance in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

The combining ability of the parents as well as the hybrids of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) involving three lines and sixteen testers was studied. The parents and their resultant 48 hybrids were evaluated in line x tester mating design and observations were recorded for nine quantitative and one qualitative trait. The GCA/SCA ratio indicated that all the traits studied were found to be predominantly controlled by non additive genes. Based on mean performance and GCA effects, line V 118 and testers IC 202784, IC 202782 and IC 202778 were found to be the best general combiner for seed yield/plant. The hybrids V 118 x IC 202782 and V 118 X IC 202784 were found to be superior for more than one trait based on per se performance and standard heterosis. Besides the heterotic potential, the hybrid V 118 x IC 202784 was found to be moderately resistant to rust.