Selection of superior cowpea lines for multi-traits and adaptabilities to the Piauí semi-arid using genotype by yield*trait biplot analysis

Abstract

Cowpea is a great socioeconomically important leguminous plant worldwide. The crop is an excellent source of proteins and minerals, mainly for the poorest populations. It is cultivated in some states of Brazil. The Piauí semi-arid is the most yielding zone in the state. Thus, the selection of superior cowpea genotypes for multi-traits and adaptabilities to this growing area is very important for the small-scale and medium-scale farmers in Piauí. The objective of this study was to select the superior cowpea lines for their multi-traits and adaptabilities to the Piauí semi-arid zone based on the genotype by the yield*trait (GYT) Biplot approach. Seventeen elite lines and three cultivars were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications under the rainfed growing condition at three different locations away from the Piauí semi-arid zone. The following traits were evaluated: the number of days to flowering, pod length, the number of grains per pod, weight of one hundred grains, grain index, grain yield, Fe and Zn contents, and also the cooking quality. The analysis of variance (ANOVA), the grouping of means, and simultaneous selection by the GYT Biplot were implemented. Through the GYT Biplot approach, the two lines, MNC11-1013E-35 and MNC11-1013E-15, were found superior because they combined the traits, grain-yield with the yield components and nutritional traits simultaneously during the cultivation in the Piauí semi-arid zone. However, the MNC11-1052E-3 line was better in the combination of yield and cooking quality than the other lines.

Variation in seed protein, selected minerals, phytic acid, and potential mineral bioavailability of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] mutants and accessions

“…Significant GE interaction also suggests the need for evaluation of cowpea genotypes in multiple environments and seasons to quantify their stability and adaptability before commercial release and recommendation. Previous studies showed that a significant GE interaction has been reported for cowpea protein, Fe, and Zn content (Araújo et al, 2021). However, a study by Gerrano et al (2019) reported nonsignificant GE interaction for protein and Cu in cowpea breeding populations.…”

Modeling covariance structures for genetic and non‐genetic effects in cowpea multi‐environment trials

“…], also known as black‐eyed pea, southern pea, and crowder pea, is an example of a crop that can be biofortified. Cowpea consumption can provide considerable amounts of protein (24.1%) (Araújo et al., 2021; Dakora & Belane, 2019), vitamins (Gonçalves et al., 2016), and micronutrients, such as iron (61.3 mg kg −1 ) and zinc (44.7 mg kg −1 ) (Feitosa et al., 2018). Therefore, biofortification programs are investing in the crop's breeding, aiming at combining grain yield and high nutrient content into the best genotypes.…”