Selection in cowpea genotypes for nutritional traits

ABSTRACT Cowpea is a worldwide consumed legume due to its high nutrient concentrations. Selecting genotypes with high nutrient concentrations can contribute to developing biofortified cultivars. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional potential and indicate genotypes of Vigna unguiculata for genetic improvement based on nutritional traits. Forty-three cowpea genotypes belonging to the Active Germplasm Bank of the Federal University of Ceará were used in the study. The analyses of dry matter, ash, ether extract, proteins, and minerals (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and boron) were performed in triplicate. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, means comparison test, genetic parameters, nutritional quality indexes, and the sum of ranks. Genetic variances predominated concerning environmental variation for the nutrient concentrations of cowpea can be transmitted to future generations. The CE-0151, CE-0189, CE-0207, CE-0228, CE-0248, CE-0542, CE-0685, CE-0686, CE-0796, CE-0997, and CE-1002 genotypes are indicated for selection for continuing the biofortified cowpea breeding program.