Articles
Phenotypic variation assessment of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (cowpea) Portuguese landraces: exploiting new opportunities for crop improvement
Article number
1384_66
Pages
521 – 526
Language
English
Abstract
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (cowpea) seeds are a rich source of proteins.
This species is climate-resilient, withstanding high temperatures and water stress, and ideal for crop rotation due to its ability to fix nitrogen.
In Portugal, more particularly in the Lardosa region (Castelo Branco), several landraces have been under culture and selection for many generations.
These landraces are exceptionally well adapted to harsh conditions but are barely studied and have a high risk of genetic erosion due to a consistent reduction in production areas.
To reverse this scenario, germplasm characterization for conservation and breeding programs is extremely important.
In the scope of the CULTIVAR project (https://icultivar.pt) and in collaboration with local farmers, three regional cultivars were identified as currently cultivated: Arroz, Cara-verde and Cara-preta. From this interaction it was also possible to better understand local farmers practices, difficulties and challenges.
Among the cultivars, Arroz has been a priority for breeding.
The aim of this work was to assess phenotypic variation in morphological, developmental and productivity traits, for future development of breeding strategies for this crop.
Seeds from the three landraces were sown in 3 replicated assays, and plant development was recorded over 110 days in greenhouse conditions.
Moreover, productivity parameters were accessed for Arroz and Cara-verde in field-growing conditions for two selected sites.
Results showed that Cara-verde develops faster (p<0.05) than both Arroz and Cara-preta until the pod-fill stage. Arroz and Cara-verde were more precocious cultivars, attaining seed maturation earlier than Cara-preta. Regarding productivity traits, no significant differences in pod and seed number and yield (seeds pod‑1) were recorded between cultivars.
This phenotypic variation assessment provides baseline information that will allow the development of new omics tools (e.g., SNP markers) for the selection of cowpea genetic resources for ongoing breeding and conservation programs.
This species is climate-resilient, withstanding high temperatures and water stress, and ideal for crop rotation due to its ability to fix nitrogen.
In Portugal, more particularly in the Lardosa region (Castelo Branco), several landraces have been under culture and selection for many generations.
These landraces are exceptionally well adapted to harsh conditions but are barely studied and have a high risk of genetic erosion due to a consistent reduction in production areas.
To reverse this scenario, germplasm characterization for conservation and breeding programs is extremely important.
In the scope of the CULTIVAR project (https://icultivar.pt) and in collaboration with local farmers, three regional cultivars were identified as currently cultivated: Arroz, Cara-verde and Cara-preta. From this interaction it was also possible to better understand local farmers practices, difficulties and challenges.
Among the cultivars, Arroz has been a priority for breeding.
The aim of this work was to assess phenotypic variation in morphological, developmental and productivity traits, for future development of breeding strategies for this crop.
Seeds from the three landraces were sown in 3 replicated assays, and plant development was recorded over 110 days in greenhouse conditions.
Moreover, productivity parameters were accessed for Arroz and Cara-verde in field-growing conditions for two selected sites.
Results showed that Cara-verde develops faster (p<0.05) than both Arroz and Cara-preta until the pod-fill stage. Arroz and Cara-verde were more precocious cultivars, attaining seed maturation earlier than Cara-preta. Regarding productivity traits, no significant differences in pod and seed number and yield (seeds pod‑1) were recorded between cultivars.
This phenotypic variation assessment provides baseline information that will allow the development of new omics tools (e.g., SNP markers) for the selection of cowpea genetic resources for ongoing breeding and conservation programs.
Authors
T. Lopes, A. Pedrosa, M. Correia, C. Marinho, M. Resende, M. Cristóvão, C. Martins, C. Espírito Santo, J. Canhoto, S. Correia
Keywords
cowpea genetic resources, food security, morphometric parameters, phenotypic variation, yield traits
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