SEED BIOMETRY IN ACCESSIONS OF CAUPI BEANS [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

Abstract

Cowpea is a legume of great importance for human consumption. It has wide genetic variability for feeling characters, which can be assessed through biometric measurements. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the biometric characteristics of seeds in cowpea accessions. 30 cowpea genotypes were evaluated. The characteristics evaluated were: seed length, seed width, seed thickness, seed color, seed shape and seed texture. A completely randomized design was used, with 30 treatments and four replications. Quantitative data were subjected to analysis of variance and grouped using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. Qualitative data were systematized using descriptive statistics. There was a significant effect for all characteristics evaluated, demonstrating variability between genotypes for seed characters, with heritability values greater than 90%. The accessions were grouped into distinct groups. The characteristic seed width formed six groups of accessions and the length and thickness of the seeds formed seven groups each, confirming the variability between the evaluated genotypes. There is variability among cowpea accessions regarding seed biometric characteristics. Therefore, these accessions can be used in plant improvement programs for this crop.