Evaluation of elite lines of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) (L.) Walp.) for leaf/fodder plus grain (i.e. dual purpose)

Abstract

A systematic programme of cowpea breeding was initiated at IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria, to identify potential dual purpose varieties and parents for use in breeding dual purpose germplasm. Generally, lower total fresh leaf yields were associated with early-to-medium flowering and with high total pod and total grain yields. Total fresh leaf yields were high in late flowering/maturing lines but they fluctuated with the season. One such line, Tvx 1948-01F, gave the best combination of a high grain plus high green leaf/fodder yield. Other lines were good in one respect but not the other. IT83S-755-1, VITA-3, IT83S-951, for instance, were the highest green leaf/fodder yielders but were the porest grain yielders