Variability and Genetic Correlations for Yield and Yield Characters in some Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea) Cultivars

Twelve cultivars of bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.] were sown for evaluation of variability and genetic correlation among agronomic characters and seed yield in 2004 and 2005 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant effects (p<0.05) for genotypes (G), year (Y) and (G x Y) interaction for most characters evaluated. Estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation as well as broad sense heritability (HB) were also high for characters in 2004 relative 2005. Seed length, pod length and width recorded 100% broad sense heritability estimates and high genetic advance. This indicates that these characters are under additive genetic control and selection for genetic improvement will be worthwhile and may rapidly contribute to seed yield. Significant (P<0.05) and positive genotypic correlation coefficients was recorded in the association between seed yield, pod yield/plant and seed yield/plant. This provides that pod yield/plant and seed yield/plant could respond to selection in bambara groundnut. © 2010 Friends Science Publishers