Abstract
Six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, and BC2) of three crosses were evaluated to understand the genetic nature of some pod quality characteristics in vegetable cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.). An additive dominance model explained the variability among generations for pod length in one cross, while a four-parameter model incorporating additive × additive interaction effects explained the variability in the other crosses. Dominance was in the direction of longer pods in two of the three crosses. The additive component, however, was larger than the dominance component. Pod width showed duplicate type of interaction in two of the three crosses and ambidirectional dominance. In cross IT-83S-911 × Bush Sitao, however, both the additive and additive × additive components were positive and reinforcing. Ambidirectional dominance was also noted for inter-seed space. The additive component was large and positive for inter-seed space only in one cross. Dominance was in the direction of larger seeds, reinforcing the positive additive effect for seed size.
