Evaluation of the relationship between yield and yield components by sequential path analysis in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes

To evaluate the relationship between seed yield and its components in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), 78 genotypes of peanut were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Takatoo research station, Sari, Iran, in 2016 and 17 plant traits related to seed yield were measured. Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences in all traits (except for seed width), that indicated a considerable variation between peanut genotypes. Based on the results of multiple stepwise regression analysis, first, second and third ranked variables were evaluated by considering the contribution in seed yield variation and minimum co-liner and the seed length and number of pod.plant-1 were selected as first ranked variables (76% of variation of seed yield). Results showed that the seed length and number of pod.plant-1 had a negative (non significant) relationship with seed yield. The results of sequential path analysis showed that the direct effect of number of pod.plant-1 (r = 0.815**) and seed length (r = -0.810**), were the most effective component in seed yield. Based on the correlation analysis result, number of pod.plant-1 may be used as selection index to promote the seed yield in peanut.