Breeding implications of nodulation performance and root structure under natural inoculation for soil fertility enhancement and sustainable cowpea production

Nitrogen deficiency is the most limiting abiotic stress factor affecting grain yield of cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L.) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. Breeding for high-yielding potential association with high nitrogen fixation performance principal objective breeding programs to improve both productivity and production this orphan crop region. Therefore, present study was undertaken determine diversity genotypes nodulation capacity two environments understand root architecture morphology as well yield-related traits 324 genotypes. The experiment conducted different during 2017 cropping season. experiments were laid out 18 × simple lattice design. Grain exhibited highly significant positive genotypic correlations stem diameter, basal length 1st whorls, branching density, taproot adventitious length, demonstrating that selection based on these could be effective capitalize under low conditions. Days flowering, days maturity, whorl angle, diameter had maturity. first ten components (PC) explained 65.13% total variation. Stem width, important contributors variability PC. highest inter-cluster distance (D 2 ) recorded between clusters III IV. However, II V minimum (78.96 units). range intra-cluster 24.22–5,112.92 units, indicating genetic displayed within has exploited via crossing selecting divergent parents future improvement. Five evident, clusters, good traits, which significantly contribute SSA food nutritional security. Moreover, it can resilience sustainability marginal environmental