Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Genetic purity and availability of polymorphic markers are fundamental pre-breeding requirements for accelerating crop improvement research. The objective of this study was to assess the purity of cowpea genotypes and evaluate the genotypes through morphological and molecular techniques. Fourteen cowpea genotypes were subjected to purity testing using 15 SSRs and converted-SNP markers. Genotypes including Bigbean, SpM028, Magic201, Alan Cash and IT82E-18 were identified as 100% pure at the loci tested. Field evaluation revealed high variability, with Bigbean, Alan cash, SpM028 and Padituya having large seed size and yield parameters. Cluster and molecular analyses revealed three and two groups, respectively: aiding in selection of divergent parents for heterosis maximisation. Polymorphic markers identified will be a useful resource in cowpea improvement, utilising the genotypes in the current study. The genotypes identified with large seed size and yield parameters, will serve as donors for cowpea improvement targeting these traits.
Source: African Crop Science Journal
DOI: 10.4314/acsj.v33i2.2
Authors: F. J. Awuku, F. Kusi, J.S. Eleblu, I. Asante, K. Ofori, Y.A. Bekele, P. Attamah, E.Y. Owusu, G. Mensah, S. Lamini, C. Nelimor, N.D. Mumuni, T. Whyte
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411368591