Characterization data of NPGRL cowpea accessions (2012-2014)
The dataset contains morphological descriptions of cowpea accessions conserved at NPGRL. NPGRL regenerates and characterizes plant germplasm primarily to assist the breeders and other researchers. The descriptors used in the characterization are based on IPGRI descriptors for cowpea (1983; 2009) and UPOV traits for yardlong bean (2009).
Recorded for stem, branches, petioles and peduncles in the sixth week after sowing
Recorded at maturity when pods are already harvested; mean of 10 randomly selected plants
Based on plant width and height 3-4 weeks after sowing
over total harvest (%)
Fresh pods
Recorded under total insect control. Mean of 10 randomly selected peduncles
Number of days from sowing to stage when 50% of plants have mature pods
In cm. Mean of the 10 longest mature pods from 10 randomly selected plants
Days from first flowers to stage when 50% of the plants have finished flowering
Recorded when pods are full grown
Of newly opened flowers
Mean number of seeds from 10 randomly selected pods
Of mature pods
Mean weight of all harvested pods of each plant per accession after being dried to appropriate moisture content
Number of days from planting to 50% of plants with at least one open flower
In mm. Mean of 10 mature seeds excluding those from the extremities of pods
Recorded in mm
In mm. Mean thickness of the ten seeds measured for length in 3 ; measured perpendicular to length and width
A visual estimate of seed compression, being indicative of spacing within the pod
Recorded in cm for the terminal leaflet whose shape was recorded in 5
Intensity of leaf colour
Recorded at the time when primary leaves are fully expanded
Recorded 3-4 weeks after sowing
Mean of 10 randomly selected plants
Recorded for the terminal leaflet of a young,mature leaf in the 6th week after sowing
Number of days from planting to 50% seedling emergence
over total harvest (%)
In cm. Recorded when peduncles have grown full length. Mean length of 10 peduncle, one from each randomly selected plants
Mean number of 10 pods
In cm. Mean width of 10 pods measured for length in 5
From 10 randomly selected pods after being dried to appropriate moisture content
In mm; the mean length of 10 freshly opened flowers
Pattern of pigment distribution on full grown immature pods
Recorded when peduncle have reached full length
From 10 randomly selected plants
Of mature pods
The branches whose origin is in the leaf axils on the main stem; recorded in the 8th week after sowing
In mm. Mean width from hilum to keel of the ten seeds measured for length in 3
over total harvest (%)
Recorded in mm
Recorded in cm, the widest dimension of the terminal leaflet whose shape was recorded in 5
Presence/absence of V-mark on leaflets
Weight of 100 seeds in g, moisture content 12%
Of stem, leaves and pods
Mean of 10 plants
Mean length of 10 freshly opened flowers,randomly selected standard petal
List of accessions included in the dataset