Evaluation, Classification and Identification of Some Peanut Genotypes Based on New Morphological Characteristics and Multiple Agronomical Traits

This study was carried out during 2021 and 2022 seasons at Shandaweel Research Station, Sohag Governorate, Agriculture Research Center, Egypt to evaluate 16 promising peanut lines comparing to commercial Giza 6 and Ismailia 2 as two check varieties, based on the seed morphological and yield agronomical characteristics; and assess the genetic behavior. The results of this investigation have revealed a large genetic diversity in the peanut collection and growing under Egyptian conditions. Simple correlation revealed that most genotypes with morphological narrow seed embryo shape gave red seed testa color. Also, number and weight of pods and seeds per plant recorded the highest broad sense heritability estimates coupled with highest genetic advance (GA %). Then, selection for highest peanut pods/seeds number or weight would be accompanied by high yielding ability. GT biplot graphs were aligned with those obtained by correlation and cluster analysis pointing to closely related of Line 389, Line 22, and Line 91 genotypes. It also helped to understand that even if the genotypes are geographically distant, some of them have agro-morphological and genetic parameters traits that are close to each other. Then, biplot graph was considered as successful and effective technique beside/instead of these analyses to select the promising genotypes with high yield to be employed in the development of future peanut breeding programs in Egypt.