Genetic diversity and yield trait analysis in groundnut Germplasm based on DUS and multivariate approaches

Abstract

Improving pod yield and kernel quality in groundnut requires systematic exploration of genetically diverse germplasm for key yield and developmental traits. Accordingly, this study evaluated Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS), genetic variability, trait associations, and phenotypic diversity among 54 groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) germplasm accessions and two check varieties during the Summer and Kharif seasons of 2025 at Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Seven DUS traits and eleven yield-related traits were assessed using an alpha-lattice design. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (p<0.001) among genotypes. Wide variation was observed for pod yield per plant (21.48-57.40 g), 100-kernel weight (19.93-60.91 g), and plant height (9.86-43.81 cm). Most traits exhibited high heritability (64.69-95.09%) and moderate to high genetic advance (13.46-60.50%). Pod yield showed strong association with kernel weight (r = 0.89; p<0.01). The first four principal components explained 66.91% of total variation, and cluster analysis grouped genotypes into four clusters. The observed genetic diversity offers significant potential for groundnut improvement.