Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] presents simple inflorescence. However, two recessive mutant genes ci and bp that produce composite inflorescence were identified in cowpea. This characteristic was also observed in the brazillian local cultivar Cacheado. The aim of this work was to investigate the genetic control of the composite inflorescence of Cacheado Cultivar. Two crosses were performed Freezergreen x Cacheado and Bettegreen x Cacheado. The crosses and the F1, F2 and the backcrosses were obtained in greenhouse. In the field trial the randomized complete block design with four replications was used. Each plot was represented by a row of 10 m long with 20 plants. The spacing between rows was of the 0,80 m. The experiment was carried out in the field, under irrigation by conventional aspersion at Embrapa Meio-Norte, Teresina city, Piauí Statate, the years of 1998 and 1999. The Qui Square test was used to analyse the data. The segregation pattern in both F2 generations fitted the 3 simple inflorescences: 1 composite inflorescence ratio and the backcrosses to the Cacheado cultivar fitted the 1 simple inflorescence: 1 composite inflorescence ratio. The inheritance study showed that composite inflorescence of the Cacheado cultivar is controlled by a single recessive gene.
Vigna unguiculata; Genetic control; Genetic breeding
