Phenotypic diversity and path analysis of seed yield in Bambara groundnut grown in rain forest agroecological zone

Abstract Bambara groundnut is a reliable source of carbohydrates and protein in rainforest agroecology, but limited research had been done few varieties commercialised. The magnitude phenotypic variability, character association, contribution characters to seed yield were investigated among 50 accessions received from IITA, Nigeria. Field evaluation took place during the 2017 – 18 cropping seasons. allocated experimental plots using Randomised Complete Block Design with three replicates. Data collected on phenological, agronomic, characters. main effect showed significant ( p ≤ 0.05) differences for vegetative, reproductive year influenced agronomic while by interaction insignificant all stepwise discriminant analysis identified redundant leaflet length width, canopy spread, leaf/plant, seeds/plant, weight high discriminatory ability are efficient morphological characterisation conservation. Hybridisation between dispersed quadrants 1, 2, 4 may evolve early medium maturity types improved biomass. number seeds/plant pods/plant indices yield. was masked peduncle length, pod width indicating competition photo-assimilates. TVSu 17, 277, 271, 278 donor parents earliness. 261 performed best component 261, 587, 275, 17 will maturing seed-yielding further evaluation.