TY - JOUR
T1 - Generation mean analysis, genetic variability, advance, and heterosis for seed size traits in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.)
AU - Awuku, Frederick Justice
AU - Kusi, Francis
AU - Eleblu, John Saviour
AU - Asante, Isaac
AU - Ofori, Kwadwo
AU - Bekele, Yosef Alemu
AU - Attamah, Patrick
AU - Owusu, Emmanuel Yaw
AU - Mensah, Gloria
AU - Lamini, Salim
AU - Larweh, Victoria Dedoe
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 Elsevier Inc.
PY - 2026/3
Y1 - 2026/3
N2 - A comprehensive understanding of gene action, heterosis, and genetic advance is essential for the effective improvement of cowpea traits. This study investigated the inheritance of seed size and related traits using four cowpea crosses: Wang Kae × SpM028, KT × SpM028, Bigbean × BR, and Agyenkwa × Padituya. Six generations (P1, P2, F1, BC1:1, BC1:2, F2) from each cross were evaluated in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed across generations, indicating trait variability from one generation to another. The F1 generation exhibited intermediate performance between parental means, highlighting additive allelic effects. Positive mid-parent heterosis was observed for all traits, indicating potential improvement through selection; however, some traits displayed negative heterobeltiosis. Generation mean analysis revealed significant means [m] and additive [a] effects, with additive × dominance [ad] epistatic interactions playing a key role. Traits such as seed volume showed solely additive × dominance effects, while hundred seed weight exhibited varying epistatic effects across the four crosses. Duplicate epistatic gene actions were prevalent, although complementary actions appeared in some traits. Positive dominance effects were identified for most traits, except for hundred seed weight in Wang Kae × SpM028, which showed negative dominance. Partial dominance was noted for large seed size and seed volume. High heritability and genetic advance suggested strong potential for trait improvement through selection. The genetic architecture of large-seed cowpea varieties from this study offers valuable opportunities for breeding programs aimed at enhancing seed size and related traits in cowpea.
AB - A comprehensive understanding of gene action, heterosis, and genetic advance is essential for the effective improvement of cowpea traits. This study investigated the inheritance of seed size and related traits using four cowpea crosses: Wang Kae × SpM028, KT × SpM028, Bigbean × BR, and Agyenkwa × Padituya. Six generations (P1, P2, F1, BC1:1, BC1:2, F2) from each cross were evaluated in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed across generations, indicating trait variability from one generation to another. The F1 generation exhibited intermediate performance between parental means, highlighting additive allelic effects. Positive mid-parent heterosis was observed for all traits, indicating potential improvement through selection; however, some traits displayed negative heterobeltiosis. Generation mean analysis revealed significant means [m] and additive [a] effects, with additive × dominance [ad] epistatic interactions playing a key role. Traits such as seed volume showed solely additive × dominance effects, while hundred seed weight exhibited varying epistatic effects across the four crosses. Duplicate epistatic gene actions were prevalent, although complementary actions appeared in some traits. Positive dominance effects were identified for most traits, except for hundred seed weight in Wang Kae × SpM028, which showed negative dominance. Partial dominance was noted for large seed size and seed volume. High heritability and genetic advance suggested strong potential for trait improvement through selection. The genetic architecture of large-seed cowpea varieties from this study offers valuable opportunities for breeding programs aimed at enhancing seed size and related traits in cowpea.
KW - Additive effect
KW - Dominance
KW - Epistasis
KW - Gene action
KW - Generation mean analysis
KW - Genetic advance
KW - Heterosis
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105026103895
U2 - 10.1016/j.egg.2025.100435
DO - 10.1016/j.egg.2025.100435
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:105026103895
SN - 2405-9854
VL - 38
JO - Ecological Genetics and Genomics
JF - Ecological Genetics and Genomics
M1 - 100435
ER -