Genetic variation and heritability of kernel physical quality traits and their association with selected agronomic traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogeae) genotypes from Uganda

Breeding for improvement of physical kernel traits has a direct implication on acceptance of groundnut varieties. However, the genetic parameters associated with these traits are not well documented. Ten groundnut lines were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design experiment with three replicates in 2015. Data were collected on yield parameters and pod and kernel physical traits. Mean values were used to determine the characters' phenotypic, genotypic, environmental variances, phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation. Broad sense heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of mean were estimated for each trait. Significant variation existed in most traits. The coefficients of variation were low for all traits ( 80%). Dry pod weight was positively correlated with pod and seed size traits. High broad sense heritability and high genetic advance for kernel physical quality traits showed the role of additive genes in the control of these traits, and thus the possibility for indirect selection for yield traits. Key words: Correlation, genotype, inheritance, pod size, seed size.