Influence of Pollination Technique and Genotype on Hybridization Success in Cowpea [vigna unguiculata (l.) Walp.]

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a strategic legume for food security and the economy in sub-Saharan Africa. In Côte d’Ivoire, its productivity remains low despite its high nutritional value. Controlled hybridization represents a key approach for improving yield and resilience. This study evaluated three manual pollination techniques (A, B, and C) across six cowpea lines. The results showed that pollination technique significantly affected hybridization success. Technique C, which involves covering the pistil with the entire keel of the male flower, achieved the highest pod set rate (45.38%) and pod filling rate (58.03%). In addition, the female genotype NBO04 exhibited the highest pollen receptivity. However, no significant differences were observed among hybrids produced using the different pollination techniques in terms of morphological and agronomic traits. The hybrids displayed stable, intermediate characteristics between the parents and, for several traits, superior performance, indicating the expression of heterosis. These findings highlight that while pollination technique influences crossing success, hybrid performance is primarily determined by parental genetic combinations. The adoption of Technique C, combined with appropriate parental selection, provides an effective strategy for optimizing cowpea breeding programs in Côte d’Ivoire.