Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield and Yield Related Traits in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes at Assosa and Kamashi, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

The lowland areas of Ethiopia have considerable potential for increased oil crop production including groundnut. In Benishangul Gumuz Region, groundnut is cultivated in various zones and woredas under rainfed condition. However, due to insufficient improved groundnut varieties found in the region the productivity was low. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate 25 groundnuts genotypes in 5 x 5 triple lattice design to generate information on the association of yield and yield related traits, and to determine the direct and indirect effects of yield related traits on grain yield at Assosa and Kamashi zones, Western Ethiopia. Data were recorded for 16 traits and subjected to ANOVA using SAS software. Further genetic analyses were conducted as per the formula suggested by biometricians. The correlation and path coefficient analysis indicated that dry pod yield hectare^-1showed positive and strong correlation with grain yield also exercised the highest positive phenotypic and genotypic direct effect at both locations and combined of the two locations. The trait will be useful for direct selection to increase grain yield. These indicated that there is a good opportunity to improve grain yield using the tested genotypes in groundnut breeding programs. Therefore, emphasis should be given for dry pod yield hectare^-1, primary branches plant^-1, pods plant^-1 and 100-seed weight to enhance grain yield production.

Keywords: correlation, direct and indirect effect, variation