Correlation and Path Coefficient Analyses in Fodder Cowpea (Vigna sinensis Endl.)

Abstract

SUMMARYThe genotypic and phenotypic correlations and path-coefficients were studied in two different environments, using twenty fodder genotypes of cowpeas. Among quantitative characters, leaves/plant, branches/plant and stem girth were highly correlated with both green and dry matter yield, whereas among quality characters, total protein (per cent) showed significant association with digestibility (per cent). Based on path-coefficient analysis, leaves/plant and protein (per cent) were found to be the most important component characters. These two characters were also highly correlated at both the genotypic and phenotypic level and, therefore, selection based on leaves/plant is likely to be useful for simultaneous improvements in yield and quality of fodder in cowpeas.