Evaluation of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes through Different Multivariate Analyses at Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Groundnut is a vital source of oil and protein. It plays an important role as food as well as cash generator crop in Ethiopia. The production of groundnut in Ethiopia has a lot of potential, but the average yield is very low due to lack of an improved high yielding variety(s). Fourteen groundnut genotypes were evaluated at two locations (Werer and Meisso) to identify the most superior and stable genotype(s) in Eastern and similar agroecology of Ethiopia. Grain yield performance of the tested genotypes was evaluated between 2012 to 2015 at Werer and Miesso using randomized complete block design with three replications in main cropping season. Multivariate analysis viz., Principal Component Analysis (PCA), GGEbiplot, Ammi Stability Value (ASV) and Yield Stability Index (AYSI) analysis were computed. Evaluation of 14 groundnut genotypes coupled with the standard check revealed significant difference genotypes, environment and their interacting levels for key economic traits.  Combined analysis of variance showed genotype (G), environments (E) and genotype by environment (GE) interaction significantly influenced the grain yield. The first two principal component analysis (PCA₁ and PCA₂) were used to create a two-dimensional GGE biplot explained by 54.676% and 24.374 %, respectively. Both GGE biplot and AMMI model identified G4, G1 and G10 as winning genotypes. The average environment coordination (AEC) views of the GGE-biplot and Yield stability index (YSI) were highly useful with AMMI stability value (ASV) that come up with the genotype high grain yield and wider adaptability identified as genotype G4 and G10 as the most stable and high yielding genotypes; whereas, genotype G6 was identified as the most stable but low yielding genotypes. GGE biplot analysis and AMMI model based on grain yield data confirmed that genotypes G4 and G10 were stable and superior to the standard check. Therefore, genotype G4 (ICGV-96346) and G10 (ICGV-97243) could be recommended for variety verification trial and release.