Vol. 9, Special Issue 9, Part X (2025)

The present investigation was undertaken to analyze the association between yield and yield-attributing traits and to assess their direct and indirect effects on seed yield in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.). A total of 72 F₃ lines along with five checks were evaluated during Rabi 2024-25 in an Augmented Block Design at the College of Agriculture, Dapoli. Correlation analysis at both genotypic and phenotypic levels revealed that seed yield per plant had significant and positive associations with number of branches per plant, clusters per plant, pods per cluster, pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod, test weight, and harvest index. Path coefficient analysis, also carried out at both genotypic and phenotypic levels, indicated that number of pods per plant, harvest index, and number of clusters per plant exerted the highest positive direct effects on seed yield. These traits can be effectively targeted in selection strategies to improve seed yield in cowpea breeding programs. The strong genotypic correlations and direct effects suggest the predominance of additive gene action. Thus, early generation selection based on these key traits would accelerate the development of high-yielding cowpea genotypes with desirable agronomic profiles.