Phenotypic Variability for Tolerance to Drought Stress of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna Subterranea (L) Verda)

Three varieties of bambara groundnut: Purple eyed (V₁), white eyed (V₂) and freckled (V3) were evaluated for phenotypic parameters in the Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. The potted plant experiment was in 3x4 Factorial fitted in to Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with four replicates and watery regimes. Differences based on drought tolerance for phenotypic parameters were estimated under different watery regimes (R₁- 1 day (control), R₂-4 days, R₃-7 days and R₄-10 days). There were significant differences between all the water regimes applied. The watering regime (R₃) at seven days interval showed the highest mean values for the characters examined, while prolonged drought of 10days watering intervals recorded the least. Significant potentials exist for the improvement of the crop productivity by selecting plants that are better equipped especially to cope with drought. Phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) for pod length (17.0cm), 100 seed weight (338.41g) and yield/plant (96.6) were higher compared to other parameters studied. The white eyed variety (V2) is the most adapted for drought prone areas.