Abstract

Estimates of variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path: analysis were carried out in 32 genotypes of cowpea for physiological traits. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation and genetic advance as per cent of mean were observed for total chlorophyll content, primary leaf area and leaf area index. This shows that: genotypic variance for these characters is probably owing to high additive gene effect. Harvest index was positively and significantly correlated with seed yield. Harvest index.. leaf area index, total chlorophyll content, plant height and primary leaf area had high positive direct effect on seed yield. The studies suggested that selection for primary leaf area and leaf area index is important to evolve high yielding varieties of cowpea.

Keywords: Sesame, Physiological traits, Correlation