Estimation of genetic parameters of seed germination and seedling emergence of cowpea

The cowpea is constituted in one of the main sources of protein for the population of the Brazilian Northeast and North. This study aimed to estimate the estimate genetic parameters on seed germination and seedling emergence in cowpea cultivars. This study was conducted at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of the State University of Southwest Bahia, campus of Vitoria da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications and five treatments (cultivars). The cultivars were: BRS Xique-xique, BRS Novaera, BRS Guariba, BRS Pujante and BRS Marataoa. To compare means, we used the Tukey test at 5% probability. The parameters evaluated were: number of normal seedlings (SN) and abnormal (SA), germination percentage (PG), germination speed index (ISG), emergency percentage (PE), emergency speed index (ISE), electrical conductivity (EC) and mass hundred grains (MHG). For the variables that differed genetic parameters were estimated. The coefficients of phenotypic and genotypic variation and heritability were high for variables. The relationship genotypic and environmental coefficient of variation was greater than one, indicating that the genetic effects highlighted in relation to environmental effects. The genetic gain was down to EC and MHG. For the variables related to seed germination there was no difference between cultivars. In relation to seedling emergence, BRS Novaera performed better.