Comparative Assessment of Agronomic Traits and Biochemical Profiles of Five Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Varieties Cultivated in Abeokuta, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1013-5656Abstract
This study evaluated the agronomic performance and biochemical composition of five cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) varieties: Drum, Botoro, Oloyin, Ife-Brown, and IT04K-332-1. Cultivated under field conditions using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, all varieties received uniform management practices. Data were collected on key agronomic parameters, including seed yield, 100-seed weight, pod length, branching, and pod count per plant. Subsequent proximate analysis determined moisture, dry matter, crude fat, ash, crude fibre, and crude protein content. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed across all agronomic and biochemical traits among the varieties. The improved variety IT04K-332-1 produced the highest seed yield (272.00 g/plot), whereas Botoro recorded the lowest yield (9.50 g/plot). Conversely, Botoro exhibited the highest crude protein content, while IT04K-332-1 had the lowest. A positive correlation was found among crude protein, dry matter, branching, and 100-seed weight, but crude protein was negatively correlated with overall seed yield. This inverse relationship indicates a distinct trade-off between nutritional quality and grain production. Consequently, IT04K-332-1 is recommended for commercial farmers seeking maximum grain yield, while Botoro is recommended for targeted high-protein nutritional applications.
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