Comparative Assessment of Agronomic Traits and Biochemical Profiles of Five Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Varieties Cultivated in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the agronomic performance and biochemical composition of five cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) varieties: Drum, Botoro, Oloyin, Ife-Brown, and IT04K-332-1. Cultivated under field conditions using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, all varieties received uniform management practices. Data were collected on key agronomic parameters, including seed yield, 100-seed weight, pod length, branching, and pod count per plant. Subsequent proximate analysis determined moisture, dry matter, crude fat, ash, crude fibre, and crude protein content. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed across all agronomic and biochemical traits among the varieties. The improved variety IT04K-332-1 produced the highest seed yield (272.00 g/plot), whereas Botoro recorded the lowest yield (9.50 g/plot). Conversely, Botoro exhibited the highest crude protein content, while IT04K-332-1 had the lowest. A positive correlation was found among crude protein, dry matter, branching, and 100-seed weight, but crude protein was negatively correlated with overall seed yield. This inverse relationship indicates a distinct trade-off between nutritional quality and grain production. Consequently, IT04K-332-1 is recommended for commercial farmers seeking maximum grain yield, while Botoro is recommended for targeted high-protein nutritional applications.