This research was carried out to estimate genetic parameters and to identify, in cowpea populations, promising genotypes regarding grain yield and erect plant type. Three lines and 348 progenies, coming from advanced generations of crossings between: TE96-282-22G (P1) x TVx5058-09C (P2) and TE96-282-22G (P1) x 1T81D-1332 (P3), were evaluated in the Teresina, PI, in 2004. The genetic variability for the main branch node number, and for the number of pods per plant indicates favorable condition for selection of superior progenies, considering these characters. The populations that stood out for grain yield, are among those presenting higher length and number node in the main branche. The absence of correlation for the main branch length with number of pods per plant and with weight of a hundred grains indicates the possibility of selecting genotypes with erect plant type, higher seed size and pod production.
Vigna unguiculata; ideótipo; heritability; genetic correlation
