Diversity Assessment of Traditional Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Landraces in Morocco

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is one of the most important cultivated legumes in
Africa, with an estimated global annual production of approximately 5.4 million metric tons
of dry seeds. However, in Morocco, cowpea remains a marginalized crop, traditionally grown
in a limited number of regions. Local landraces, maintained over generations by farmers, may
harbor substantial genetic and phenotypic diversity. The characterization of plant genetic
resources is essential for understanding phenotypic variation, assessing genetic relationships
among genotypes, and supporting their conservation and use in crop improvement programs.
This study aimed to evaluate the agro-morphological diversity of 19 traditional Moroccan
cowpea populations collected from various agro-ecological zones across the country. The
accessions were characterized using 20 morphological, phenological, and yield-related traits,
following the descriptor list established by the International Board for Plant Genetic
Resources (IBPGR, 1983). Our results revealed a high level of diversity both among and
within the studied landraces, with no clear association with their geographical origin. This
considerable phenotypic variability underscores the potential of these traditional varieties as
valuable genetic resources for cowpea breeding, particularly for traits related to adaptation to
local environmental conditions. Given that some morphological traits may be influenced by
environmental factors, further studies using molecular markers are recommended to validate
and refine the observed patterns of diversity.