Heterosis over mid and better parents under line × tester design in cowpea

The studies on line × tester (10 lines and 3 testers) analysis were carried out on vegetable cowpea during rainy season, 1999 to work out the extent of heterosis for yield and its contributing traits. Analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences for almost all characters suggesting presence of genetic variability. NDCP-13, Red Seeded, Kala Zamala Cowpea Local, Ramnagar Kala and Pusa Komal were observed to be best performing parents for yield and earliness. Appreciable heterosis was found over better parent and mid-parent for all the characters studies in desirable dirction. In order of merit F1 hybrids: NDCP-13 × Arka Garima, Cowpea Local × Cowpea-263, Red Seeded × Pusa Komal and Ramnagar Kala × Pusa Komal, Cowpea Local × Cowpea-263 and Red Seeded × Pusa Komal were observed to be best performer for green pod yield/plant as they recorded significant heterosis of 77.38, 70.73, 70.44 and 94.00, 88.42 and 85.95% respectively over better parent and mid parent. The maximum yield recorded by these hybrids has been attributed to increase in average number of poddplant. The high-yielding F1 hybrid NDCP-3 × Arka Garima and Cowpea Local × Cowpea-263, which recorded highest heterosis over better and mid parents may be recommended for commercial cultivation.