By correlation and path-coefficient analysis, the most relevant traits for selection for peanut pod yield were identified among the following: total number of pegs (TNP), number of pegs in the lower third of the plant (NPLTh), number of mature pods (NMP), main stem height (MSH), and reproductive efficiency (EF1 and EF2). The trial consisted of 15 F2:3 progenies derived from a cross of variety BR 1 and the advanced line CNPA 280 AM, evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. The lines with best reproductive efficiency were L.8 and L.11. Path analysis detected a strong direct effect of the number of pegs in the lower plant third on the number of mature pods. This finding justifies the use of the number of pegs in the lower plant third in selection of peanut populations for number of mature pods.
Arachis hypogaea; reproductive efficiency; indirect selection
