Genetic components for germination indices, root architecture and their correlation with field emergence of cowpea varieties

The experiment carried out to estimate genetic components for germination indices and root architecture of twenty eight cowpea seed lots for predicting field emergence during rainy seasons, showed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation varied from 74.54 to 97.63 per cent across the traits. More than 90 per cent genotypic coefficient of variation was estimated for normal seedlings per cent and root architecture traits and germination indices had between 68.35 to 75.09 per cent GCV. Heritability ranged from 79.41 to 93.45 per cent across the traits. Moderate genetic gain was recorded in normal seedling per cent and root architecture and germination indices had lower genetic gain. However germination indices and root architecture positively correlated with each other. Among germination indices, normal seedlings, mean daily germination and germination index had significant positive association with field emergence (0.648**, 0.624**, 0.569**) and among root architecture, shoot length showed significant association with field emergence (0.569**). Therefore, early vigour may be used as one of the selection criterion in breeding programme for developing new ideal variety that could perform better under adverse environmental conditions.