Studies on interrelationship and path coefficient analysis of fodder yield and yield component traits in fodder cowpea ( Vigna ungiculata L. Walp)

An experiment was carried out to assess the nature and magnitude of association among 11 quantitative traits in 136 fodder cowpea accessions. From correlation studies, it is evident that the traits viz., number of primary branches per plant, number of leaves per plant and leaf area exhibited significant positive correlation towards green fodder yield per plant as well as dry matter yield per plant. The highest positive direct effect of leaf area and the highest positive indirect effects of number of leaves per plant and dry matter yield per plant via leaf area would contribute more towards increasing green fodder yield per plant. Thus the traits viz.,number of primary branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf area and dry matter yield per plant could be opted as selection index for fodder yield improvement in cowpea.