Phenotypic diversity for phenological and agronomic traits in the UC‐Riverside cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) mini‐core collection

Abstract Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is a multipurpose crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Characterizing cowpea phenotypes germplasm collections crucial step to ensure future breeding efforts species. In this study, we estimated variance components calculated genetic parameters for eight traits 292 accessions from University of California Riverside mini‐core collection, along with three lines released by USDA, seven cultivars. Broad‐sense heritability H 2 ) ranged .21 .83 all evaluated Year 1, .16 100 during 2. Genotype × year correlations .45 .99, illustrating consistency phenotypic performance some traits. Positive trait were plant height days flowering, biomass at flowering (R1), pod maturity (R6). Biomass R1 R6 highly positively correlated. The USDA line US‐1137 showed high production can be used as forage cover crop, whereas US‐1136, US 1138, cultivar Iron Clay superior dual‐purpose (grain and/or fodder). Several outperformed cultivars represent valuable resources that contribute improvement. Moreover, these results multiyear multienvironment studies are needed reliable select improved agronomic This study will provide breeders geneticists data start new efforts, opportunities gene discovery key phenological