Improving Genetic Attributes of Confectionary Traits in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Using Multivariate Analytical Tools

Abstract

Peanut is gaining importance more for its confectionery and nutritive values than for its oil content around the world. Improving confectionery qualities is an added advantage for farming community. Hence, in the present study, multivariate analytical tools were used to identify parents with complementary traits for using them in breeding programme. PCA revealed contribution of pod yield, 100-seed weight, oil content, and O/L ratio towards variance. Pod yield was positively associated with 100-seed weight, oil and protein contents. Oil content had weak association with protein content, oleic acid and O/L ratio. UPGMA clustering revealed grouping of cultivars based on origin and its area recommendation. Cultivars superior for yield (GPBD-4, M-28-2 and JL 24) and confectionery traits (S-230 and Dh-8) were identified. Strong positive relation of yield with confectionery traits indicates possibility of breeding high yielding confectionery grade cultivars. Multivariate analytical tools could be used to identify parents for location specific breeding for improvement of Confectionary traits.