Stability of performance in fodder cowpea genotypes under different phosphorus regimes

Abstract

Fodder cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is rich in protein, energy, and newlineessential nutrients, making it a highly nutritious feed for livestock such as cattle, newlinesheep, and goats. The application of phosphorus in the maintenance of the soil newlinefertility and improving productivity of cowpea is indispensable. Phosphorus (P) newlinedeficiency affects the productivity of legume cowpea and smallholder farmers do not newlinehave the resources to purchase P fertilizers. An alternative solution to the problem of newlineP deficiency is the development of P- efficient fodder cowpea genotypes with the newlineability to perform well in P-deficient soils as well as respond to P fertilization. The newlinepresent investigation was undertaken to assess G ´ E interaction for selection of high newlinegreen fodder yielding stable cowpea genotypes and identify genotypes having high newlinephosphorus use efficiency. The research work was undertaken at AICRP on Forage newlineCrops and Utilisation. Forty five fodder cowpea genotypes selected from germplasm on newlinethe basis of shoot fresh weight/plant were evaluated across eight environments created newlineby combining four phosphorus levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5/ha) with two crop newlinegrowing seasons (rabi and kharif) in randomised block design with three replications. newlineObservations were recorded on green fodder yield parameters, nutritional parameters, newlineroot traits and agronomic PUE. Data analysis was done following R-Studio software. newlineCombined ANOVA revealed a significant G ´ E interaction for GFY and its related newlinetraits. Based on linear regression model, 13 genotypes i.e. N-311, UPC-2002, UPC-805, newlineMFC-09-1, UPC-4200, C0-9, FD-739, UPC-803, CO-(FC)-8), UPC-801, UPC-802, newlineIC-219489, IFC-24094 were identified as stable genotypes. From AMMI analysis it newlinewas observed that the genotypes UPC-802, N-311, TNFC 926, and C0-9 were newlinespecifically adapted to E3 (RP40) and E4 (RP60). Genotype MFC-18-4, MFC-09-1, newlineIFC-9304, UPC-804, MFC-18-8, F-6R-211-184-2 were suitable for E1 (RP0) whereas newlineTNFC-20-06, G31 KBC-2, SWETA were adapted to E2 (RP20). Genotype UPC- newline2001, EC-402154 and UP