Selecting superior groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes using multi-trait selection indices

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an annual oilseed and proteinous crop whose production is mainly affected by genotype × environment interactions, making it hard to select superior genotypes. The multi-trait selection indices have been used to choose genotypes based on multiple traits. In this study, 11 groundnut genotypes were evaluated based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in three locations, Talesh, Masal, and Rasht, Guilan province, Iran, during two growing seasons (2019-2020 and 2020-2021). Variance components were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood method, and factor analysis was applied to grouping the traits. Multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) and ideal genotype selection index (IGSI) were calculated to select superior genotypes using 16 agronomical characteristics. Although by considering the 30% selection intensity, the genotypes selected by the MGIDI and IGSI indices in the three locations were somewhat different, the ICG192 groundnut genotype was selected as a superior genotype in all three areas based on both MGIDI and IGSI indices. The results revealed relative compliance between the MGIDI and IGSI indices in the selection of superior genotypes, and they may be used for genotype selection based on multiple traits.