Selection of cowpea genotypes for the black specialty grain market

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252026v3914261rc

Keywords:

Vigna unguiculata. Agronomic traits. Plant breeding. Genetic parameters. Selection index. Genotype–ideotype distance.

Abstract

Cowpea grain in the black commercial class is part of the specialty grain market, and cultivar development for this market may contribute to diversifying and expanding the cowpea market and increasing cowpea consumption in Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate and select cowpea genotypes with potential for the black specialty grain market. Sixteen genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, during the 2023–2024 growing season. The following traits were evaluated: number of days to flowering onset, pod length, number of grains per pod, 100-grain weight, grain index, and grain yield. Data were analyzed using mixed models and the restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased prediction (REML/BLUP) procedure. Genotypes were selected based on empirical best linear unbiased predictions (eBLUPs)/genetic values and the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI). Genetic variability was detected, especially for 100-grain weight, grain index, and grain yield. Selection for earlier flowering and greater pod length and grain index can increase grain yield, while selection for larger grains can reduce the number of grains per pod. Based on the eBLUP estimates and MGIDI, the cowpea genotypes with the greatest potential for the black specialty grain market were BRS Tapaihum, BRS Guirá, MNC10-998B-8-1, Pretinho-PA, MNC09-981B-6, MNC09-988B-20, and MNC10-982B-3-7.

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Published

04-11-2026

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Scientific Article