Path coefficient analysis of the components of grain yield in intercropped cowpea, growth in Borno, Nigeria

Abstract

Yield and yield components data obtained from the response of inter cropped cowpea to some agronomic practices were correlated and path coefficients computed. The result revealed that cowpea yield was strongly correlated with 100-seed weight, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod. Within the yield components, there was a highly significant correlation (P = 0.01) between 100 seed weight and number of seeds per pod as well as between number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod. Yield analyses indicated that the direct contribution of number of pods per plant and 100-seed weight were the main yield contributing factors in both years. The combined contribution of 100-seed weight and number of seeds per pod was however highest in both years. The total contributions (direct and combined) were found to be 96.30% and 53.80% in 2001 and 2002 seasons, respectively.

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 2 (4) 2006: pp. 310-316