Breeding potential of crosses derived from genetically divergent parents difering for yield and its attributes in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]

Handling of segregating populations arising from a large number of crosses in Plant Breeding is a challenging and vital task. Identifcation of potential of the particular cross will aid in the selection of superior segregants. In the present study, four crosses derived from parents contrasting for seed yield and most of its attributing traits was assessed by comparing the 11 quantitative traits, mean values, phenotypic coefcient of variation, standardized range and frequency of transgressive segregants in F₂ and F₃ generations in cowpea. Based on per se mean value, variances, standardized range and frequency of transgressive segregants in F₂ and F₃ generations derived from four crosses, PL-2 × NBC-39 was predicted to have better breeding potential followed by PL-5 × EC-402104 in terms of chances of isolating desirable recombinants in advanced generations. Increasing trend in mean values, variances, and frequency of transgressive segregants for most of the traits from F₂ to F₃ generations derived PL-2 × NBC-39 and PL-5 × EC-402104 supported the conclusion, although a decreasing trend was observed for standardized range in all four crosses. Identifcation of 10 best F₃ plants in PL-2 × NBC-39 indicated the utility of mean values, variances, standardized range and frequency of transgressive segregants in predicting the performance of a cross to maximize the frequency of superior segregants in advanced generations.