Adeniji, O.T Peter, J.M and Olutayo, G
Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Nigeria
Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Adamawa State University, Mubi Nigeria

(Manuscript received 19 March 2026; accepted for publication 25 August 2026)

e-mail: waleniji@gmail.com

Abstract. Seed dimensional and gravimetric attributes, together with hydration properties, influence seed quality, germination, processing, and cooking outcomes. The objectives of this study were to assess the variability and associations among seed physical, gravimetric, and hydration properties, to identify grouping characters for selection, and to evaluate the contribution of these properties to seed weight. The laboratory experiment used a completely randomized design with four replications. Data were analyzed using R-Core software. Results showed significant differences in physical, gravimetric and hydration properties among cowpea breeding lines, with CP22 displaying superior performance due to its high geometric mean diameter. Significant responses (P<0.05) for geometric mean diameter (GMD) and arithmetic mean diameter (AMD) indicated non-uniform seed size, showing the relevance of these traits for efficient milling and selection of dehydrators. The observed associations between seed sphericity and aspect ratio, as well as between GMD and AMD, are critical for the optimization of seed processing equipment. CP22, CP17, and CP1 exhibited the GMDs, while GP22, GP24, and GP5 had the highest arithmetic mean diameters. The leading cowpea breeding line for true density also demonstrated uniform seed bulk density. A substantial difference between seed bulk density and true density suggests the presence of numerous air spaces, which is pertinent for the design of equipment for sorting, grading, and processing cowpea seeds. GMD, AMD, and sphericity (SPH) exhibited strong discriminatory power for characterization, conservation, and documentation. The complementarity between seed gravimetric and physical attributes was reflected in the high proportion of significant correlation coefficients among seed physical, hydration, and imbibition properties. Seed gravimetric, physical, and hydration properties were grouped into two major clusters, with overlapping characters within and between clusters as revealed by the correlation network, indicating interdependence between gravimetric and physical attributes of cowpea seeds.