Agronomic performance and superior traits selection in Indonesian Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) local varieties using genotype by yield trait biplot.

Cowpea is an important legume crop that grows throughout the world, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, and has a high potential for food and nutritional security. The study aims to identify the performance and the relationship between agronomic traits, and the superior character of Indonesian cowpea varieties using Genotype by Yield Trait (GYT) biplot analysis. This research used 75 Indonesian cowpea local varieties collected from the exploration study from 2017 to 2018. The evaluation of the 25 agronomic traits of the cowpea local varieties was conducted from March to July 2019. The research was arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The analysis of variance for agronomic traits revealed that there was a significant difference between cowpea local varieties in almost all traits, except for the number of flower buds per raceme and the number of buds per node. Cowpea seed yield was strongly influenced by seed thickness, number of pods, 100 seed weight, pod width, and number of racemes/plant. The GYT biplot analysis successfully identified the VU50 and VU38 as the best yield-trait combinations for number of pods/plant*seed yield and number of racemes per plant*seed yield, and the VU36 as the best for pod width*seed yield, seed thickness*seed yield, and seed size*seed yield. These genotypes could be used for genetic improvement in the cowpea breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]