Morphological diversities and associated preference traits in Peanut (<i>Arachis hypogaea L.</i>) landraces from central and southern Benin

Abstract

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in Benin is limited by several biotic and abiotic stresses. The objectives of this study were to document varietal trait preferences and peanut genetic diversity for breeding programs. A survey in the South and Center of Benin and an agro-morphological characterization was carried out. Results showed that farmers used five criteria, namely yield (seeds and pods), size of seeds, number of seeds per pod, oil content, and quality of the paste for selecting a variety. The clustering based on ten qualitative traits showed a variability structure in three groups based on the leaflets shape, plant habit, and branching pattern. The principal component analysis carried out on the quantitative traits indicated six groups of accessions. The group 3 of the latest analysis is composed of Azii alorga and Kamalo with interesting characteristics and showing a good criteria as seeds size (SDL= 14.62 ± 0.48 mm), and pods size (average pod length and width respectively PoL = 33.70 ± 1.14 mm, Pow = 14.87 ± 0.29 mm). The results should be prioritized for breeding programs to improve the good criteria found in other peanut varieties. It will be helpful for farmers in selecting performant varieties.