Ten characteristics were studied in 32 cowpea genotypes [Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp.] with the objective of evaluating the association among yield and yield components. The experiment was conduced at Embrapa-Centro de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Meio-Norte in Teresina, PI, Brazil. Acomplete random blocks design with six replications was used. The data were collected from the two central rows subtracting two hills at the extremities. Initial flowering and 100-seed weight, that presented the highest direct effect and positive correlation with grain yield, were the most important characters in the process of indirect selection to obtain an efficient correlated response on grain yield. However, selection for the characters angle insertion of the secondary branches and number of grains per pod had no significant direct influence on grain yield.
Vigna unguiculata; genotypes; selection; agronomic characters; grain; yield components
