Exploring genetic variation for pre-harvest sprouting tolerance in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) germplasm conserved in Indian National Genebank

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a phenomenon that causes substantial losses in the yield of cultivated Vigna and is mainly brought on by humid conditions. Although there is potential for genotypic PHS tolerance, this has not been thoroughly investigated in cowpea. The current study set out to understand the effects of several physiological and physical characteristics on PHS and to investigate the genetic variation for PHS tolerance in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) germplasm. A diverse panel of 102 cowpea accessions was examined for seed and pod morphological characteristics, water imbibition by seeds and pods, and fresh seed germination to characterize the PHS trait. A wide variation for PHS was reported within cowpea accessions. Seed germination within pods, a key measure in assessing PHS tolerance, exhibited a wide range from 5 to 95