The article presents the results of the search for microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci with tri-, tetra-, penta- and hexanucleotide tandem repeat motifs in the draft de novo assembly of the Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.) genome and the development of convenient relatively highly and moderately polymorphic markers that can be easily genotyped even by simple gel electrophoresis. In total, 64 pairs of oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for 32 detected microsatellite loci were designed and tested. Based on the testing results, 10 most promising polymorphic loci were selected and genotyped in eight natural populations of Siberian fir. Homologous microsatellite loci in the genome of European silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) were also identified by mapping Siberian fir contigs, containing SSR loci to the European silver fir genome assembly. A multiplex panel of 14 universal microsatellite loci was developed and genotyped in samples from four natural populations of A. alba and a small sample of eight Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana (Steven) Spach) trees.

Ancho (width) chile peppers have economic, social, culinary and cultural importance in Mexico and worldwide. This chile type considers divergent subtypes that altogether have not been analysed and therefore their morphological diversity has not been systematically described. The objectives were to describe the morphological diversity of ancho pepper landraces from Mexico, to identify groups of similarity and to define the traits with the higher contribution to the total variation. Eighty-six landraces of ancho chile peppers (red, ‘mulatos’, ‘miahuatecos’, ‘cristalinos’ and ‘huacle’), collected in six states of Mexico, and two commercial controls were evaluated in two localities, in a simple randomized complete block experimental design. We recorded 76 morphological traits. Statistical analysis included a combined ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, discriminant analysis, principal components and clusters. The morphological diversity in ancho chile peppers was mainly made up of fruit width, fruit wall thickness, stem diameter, corolla length, seed weight per fruit, plant height, stem length and pubescence. We defined four groups, which made it possible to differentiate ancho chile peppers of Puebla and the huacle chile pepper of Oaxaca from populations collected in the north and ‘Bajío’ (midland) parts of Mexico. Ancho chile peppers of Mexico showed wide morphological differences according to the type of chile pepper and seed collection regions. The traits that contributed the greatest morphological diversity were fruit width, fruit wall thickness, stem diameter, corolla length, seed weight per fruit, plant height, stem length and pubescence.

A total of 32 sweet potato genotypes were evaluated to assess the genetic diversity based on quantitative traits and molecular markers, as well as stability for yield and related traits. Wider variability was observed for the traits like vine length (181.2–501.3 cm), number of leaves/plant (103.0–414.0 cm), internodal length (3.20–14.80 cm), petiole length (6.5–21.3 cm), leaf length (8.50–14.5 cm), leaf breadth (8.20–15.30 cm), leaf area (42.50–115.62 cm2), tuber length (7.77–18.07 cm), tuber diameter (2.67–6.90 cm), tuber weight (65.60–192.09 g), tuber yield (7.77–28.87 t ha−1), dry matter (27.34–36.41%), total sugar (4.50–5.70%) and starch (18.50–29.92%) content. Desirable traits such as tuber yield, dry matter and starch content have shown high heritability (>60%) with moderate to high genetic advance. Under molecular analysis, a total of 232 alleles were observed from all 32 microsatellite markers, which ranged from 4 to 14 with an average of 7.77 alleles per locus. In the population, the average observed heterozygosity (0.51) was higher than the expected heterozygosity (0.49). The contribution of genotype, genotype by environment interaction to the total variations was found to be significant. Based on the multi-trait stability index (tuber length, tuber diameter, tuber weight and tuber yield), genotypes X-24, MLSPC-3, MLSPC-5, ARSPC-1 and TSP-12-12 were found to be most stable. Among them, the high-yielding and stable genotypes TSP-12-10 (26.0 t ha−1) and MLSPC-3 (23.9 t ha−1) can be promoted for commercial production or used as parental material in future crop improvement programmes.

Rice cultivation in hills is challenged by sub-optimum weather conditions, low soil fertility, low temperature and moisture stress which impedes in attaining high productivity. To address this, four studies were carried out at ICAR Sikkim Centre, Gangtok, India to evaluate relative performance of local organic cultivars and conventionally bred varieties under an organic farming system. Conventionally bred varieties yielded significantly higher (45%) than local cultivars under recommended timely sown conditions whereas local cultivars showed superiority in grain yield under late sown conditions coinciding with low temperature during flowering to grain filling. Genotypes did not show significant interaction when organic or conventional production conditions were compared. For grain yield, there was a significant variation for variety × year interaction under organic system. Local organic cultivars had reduced grain yield and associated traits under rainfed upland conditions. Panicles per unit area had a significant positive association with grain yield in all production environments (organic lowland, organic upland, conventional lowland and conventional upland). Overall, the study indicates using local cultivars as donors for specific stress tolerance traits in background of high yielding genotypes to enhance rice yields sustainably under organic system in hills.

Preference for functional and nutritious food capable of meeting consumers' demand and health is on the increase. The present preliminary study seeks to assess physico-chemical and nutraceutical diversity in the cocoa bean powder of 77 genotypes present in four Nigerian cocoa field banks. Twenty ripe pods/genotypes in each of the four active breeding field banks at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Nigeria were utilized. Composite beans from the 20 pods of each genotype were singly fermented, sun-dried and milled. Duplicate samples of the powder of each genotype were analysed for physico-chemical and nutraceutical components. Twenty-one polymorphic variables distinguished the 77 cocoa genotypes. Grouping by dendogram identified four clusters, three differently and uniquely captured 100% of the genotype membership in the local clone, international clone and the regional varieties field bank but 86% of the genotypes in the hybrid trial field bank were grouped in cluster I. Prominent traits with highest values in each clusters were: protein, pH, Ca, K and Fe (Cluster I), Zn and Mg (Cluster II), crude fat and P (Cluster III) and crude fibre, ash, theobromine, flavonoids and caffeine (Cluster IV). Exploitable diversity for nutritional quality improvement is present in the active breeding and working collections of Nigerian cocoa field banks.

Sheath rot is one of the most destructive emerging diseases of rice in Asia and a significant loss (20–85%) to rice production is caused by this disease under temperate agro-climatic conditions of Kashmir. Disease is more prevalent in higher belts of valley where Japonica rice cultivation is more common. Also, late-maturing varieties are more likely to be attacked by sheath rot disease of rice. Information regarding the occurrence and distribution of any pathogen and its variability in the field is very much essential to devise a suitable disease management programme against the particular pathogen. The isolates of Sarocladium oryzae tested in the present study exhibited considerable variation in cultural characteristics, morphology and pathogenicity. The resistant sources for sheath rot disease of rice were identified among the temperate germplasm of rice under a relatively high inoculum concentration and disease pressure of all the variable isolates of S. oryzae. Among 219 rice genotypes screened for resistance against S. oryzae under field conditions, 42 genotypes were further evaluated under controlled epiphytotic conditions against all the 18 isolates of S. oryzae. Four genotypes (SKUA-354, ORN-V4, GS-183, GS357) were finally selected with high resistance against sheath rot disease of rice which can be utilized as potential donors for the development of disease-resistant varieties of rice against sheath rot.

Freezing damage is a major limiting factor to Pistachio cultivation in cold climates. Assessment of pistachio genotypes to freezing stress is important for the selection of tolerance cultivars in these regions. In this study, nine genotypes belong to six Pistacia species (P. terebinthus L., P. atlantica Desf., P. atlantica subsp. kurdica P. atlantica subsp. mutica, P. khinjuk Stocks., P. vera var. Sarakhs, P. vera cv. Badami-Riz-Zarand I, P. vera cv. Badami-Riz-Zarand II) and an interspecies hybrid named UCB1 (P. atlantica × P. integrrima) were evaluated to freezing stress at temperatures of −4, −8, −12 and, −16°C in the months of December, January and February. Results showed that electrolyte leakage (EL) percentage and means of eco-physiological parameters varied among genotypes with the highest soluble carbohydrates and phenolic compounds observed in species of P. atlantica subsp. kurdica and P. vera var. Sarakhs respectively. In February, the highest calcium and potassium concentrations of shoot were observed in P. terebinths and P. vera var. Sarakhs genotypes respectively. The highest EL percentage was observed at −16°C in P. atlantica and P. khinjuk and the lowest in P. terebinthus and P. vera var. Sarakhs.

Iron (Fe) is an essential element for all organisms. Fe deficiency can limit plant production and cause anaemia in humans. The improvement of Fe homoeostasis could resolve both problems. Fe homoeostasis in Aegilops tauschii, the D genome donor of bread wheat, is not fully understood. Here, we analysed physiological traits in 42 accessions of Ae. tauschii associated with Fe homoeostasis, i.e. mugineic acid family phytosiderophores (MAs), phenylamides, SPAD values and metal concentrations. All traits showed diversity, suggesting the presence of candidate genes in the Ae. tauschii accessions, which could improve Fe homoeostasis in bread wheat. All accessions mainly produced and secreted mainly 2′-deoxymugineic acid among MAs, but eight of them secreted unknown products from their roots under Fe deficiency. It was revealed that 15 kinds of phenylamides and 2 kinds of bread wheat phytoalexins were produced in Fe-deficient roots of Ae. tauschii. Multivariate and principal component analyses showed that chlorophyll content was correlated with shoot Fe concentration. Genome-wide association study analysis associated several genomic markers with the variations in each trait analysed. Our results suggest that Ae. tauschii has alleles that could improve Fe homoeostasis to generate Fe-deficiency-tolerant or Fe-biofortified bread wheat.

A breeding programme of aromatic vanilla, dating back to 1944, was conducted in Ambohitsara, Antalaha, SAVA (Sambava, Antalaha, Vohemara, Andapa) – Madagascar. Imported, local, wild and cultivated vanillas were used as progenitors and thousands of hybrids were generated. However, this germplasm has not undergone any genetic evaluation, and it appears that these valuable genetic resources have been dispersed or lost after the end of the programme (2000). This study aims to investigate the genetic diversity and structure of rescued genotypes currently held in a local collection in Antalaha. Double digest restriction associated-site (RAD)-seq (ddRAD)-seq protocol was applied, providing 865 million read sequences from 56 accessions. The ddRAD sequences have been deposited to the SRA archive of NCBI. From the data, 23,701 filtered concordant common Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified using the three widely used tools (Stacks, BCFtools, Genome Analysis ToolKit - GATK) for short-read library sequencing. These SNPs were used for germplasm evaluation. Clustering analysis segregated samples into five genetic groups: Vanilla planifolia, Vanilla pompona, hybrid Tsitaitra, Vanille Banane and the phenotype Tsivaky. Our analysis revealed distinct subgroups within V. pompona and Tsitaitra, emphasizing the importance of further characterization to accurately reflect the genetic diversity and facilitate better utilization of these accessions in future research and germplasm management. The presence of private alleles in all groups (from 487 to 2866) indicated that populations were diverging and represented a large gene pool that could be useful for future breeding efforts. The genetic data obtained from this study offers valuable insights into the genetic diversity and structure of the vanilla population, with potential applications in breeding and conservation efforts.

Yushania anceps is a temperate woody bamboo taxon of high socio-economic importance occurring in the sub-alpine zone of the western Himalayas. This study was carried out to delineate the potential distribution of Y. anceps in the western Himalayas through species distribution modelling (SDM), and genetic characterization using sequence-tagged microsatellite (STMS) markers. The present study revealed an endemic distribution of this species in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, with an estimated area of 211.59 km2. The maximum probability of occurrence was recorded in the moderately dense forests between the altitudinal ranges of 2500 and 2700 m. The model output was well supported with high values of different statistical measures, such as the AUC (0.911) and Kappa coefficient (K = 0.513). Environmental variables related to precipitation, temperature and topography were identified as the most contributory in current SDM. In addition, diversity measures, namely allelic richness (Ar), expected heterozygosity (He), and fixation index (FST), were calculated in five sampled populations with eight STMS markers, which indicated high genetic diversity (Ar = 4.24; He = 0.689) and little differentiation (FST = 0.062). The diversity maps displayed that the populations located in the Kumaon region captured relatively more genetic diversity than the Garhwal region. Further, genetic clustering and STRUCTURE analysis revealed a substantial level of genetic admixing across the analysed populations, and as a result, no sub-structuring was detected. Due to the rare and endemic distribution of Y. anceps, it requires immediate conservation measures, and the knowledge base generated here will be of paramount importance to forest managers, researchers and policymakers.

In coffee breeding, selection of mother plants based on the yield potential, resistance to diseases and pest and bean quality are considered as the important criteria. Hence, utilisation and evaluation of coffee germplasm is the crucial step in the improvement process. With this background, an experiment was conducted to study the genetic diversity of 41 Arabica coffee genotypes in India during 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. Study reveals that, the analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied indicating the presence of variability. Relatively higher values for GCV were observed for number of secondaries per primary (29.77 and 24.84%), total nodes per primary (30.07 and 26.62%), bearing nodes per primary (35.72 and 29.03%), number of flower buds per primary (40.79 and 33.68%), number of fruits per primary (49.64 and 36.39%) and per cent ‘A’ grade bean (37.47 and 37.83%) than PCV indicating the influence of environmental variations is less and prevalence of additive gene action. Similarly, high magnitude of heritability (>80%) combined with a strong genetic advance as per cent of mean (>20%) was established for most of the growth and yield attributing traits including caffeine content and per cent ‘A’ grade bean (100%) during both the years of study 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, respectively indicated better scope for genetic improvement in these character through simple selection. The variability observed among the genotypes should be further confirmed by using the molecular markers.

Fine mapping and discovery of watermelon rind trait candidate genes are of great significance for modern watermelon breeding and development. In this study, we used the high-resolution genetic mapping and genome-wide genetic variation detection technology, combined with genome survey and sequencing technology, to locate and discover the candidate genes for rind traits of star watermelon varieties ‘Su XuanBai’ and ‘SHLX21’. Firstly, we identified a total of eight quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to watermelon rind traits on chromosome 6. Secondly, a total of 208,240 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 75,345 small Indels (insertions/deletions) were detected in the two parents by high-coverage re-sequencing, respectively. Based on the genetic variation of the two parents and combined with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis using the planta database, the QTL region was reduced to 0.02 Mb. Finally, we identified the six potential regulatory factors for watermelon rind traits using real-time quantitative PCR. In conclusion, our results revealed the fine localization of candidate genes for watermelon rind traits and the successful discovery of candidate genes for regulating watermelon rind traits, which is of importance for watermelon rind traits and breeding-improved watermelon varieties.

Kerala, a humid tropical southern state, is the third largest producer of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) in India. This tree spice is an important livelihood option for the rural society, especially in Palakkad district which is the lead producer of tamarind in the state with a few accepted primitive cultivars, viz. ‘valanpuli’, ‘madhurapuli’ and ‘thenpuli’. A survey was conducted to identify the fruit variability and document the sweet tamarind types of Palakkad. This study revealed the variability and weight of 30 fruits was seen to be the most indicative variable of tamarind in Kerala. The pod length varied from 5.28 to 23.41 cm and fruit weight from 4.83 to 43.40 g. Hierarchical clustering on principal component analysis resulted in six clusters. The clusters I, IV and V represented collections with fruit weight more than 20 g. Box plot diagrams revealed the high real pulp value in sample KTJ 162 (9.57) and high fruit length in KTJ 44 (21.68 cm). Among 113 collections, 18 samples were collected as perceived sweet types based on local enquiry. In the scatter plot between total soluble solids and ratio between total soluble solids and total titrable acidity, two samples were spotted as sweet types with acidity below 8%. Further molecular characterization and systematic crop improvement programmes are required for conserving the eroding gene pool of tamarind in Kerala and to develop sweet types for commercial production.

The common dandelion (Taraxacum campylodes G.E.Haglund) is known for its medicinal properties and as a non-toxic, highly nutritious edible plant. Even though the herb is mostly collected in the wild, the food and pharmaceutical industries prefer cultivated plant material. Cultivation offers the possibility to achieve predictable yields, ensure the botanical identity of the plants and products can be certified according to organic or biodynamic standards; therefore the interest in domestication is growing. Due to the scarcity of research on dandelion cultivation in agricultural systems, the current study focused on determining the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of 13 wild populations from Latvia in an organic farming system. Populations collected at Gluda, Priekuli, Mundigciems, Marupe as well as variety TA008 had the highest dry root weight (>100 g per plant) and exceeded the root weight of variety Nouvelle more than two-fold. The highest concentration of chlorogenic acid (CHA) (0.12%) and chicoric acid (CCA) (0.15%) was found in the wild population collected in Turaida. The wild populations from Marupe and Mundigciems had a high average root weight as well as a relatively high CHA and CCA content, making them suitable for commercial growing. The present study examined the feasibility of cultivating wild dandelion populations in an organic farming system. The results revealed a high degree of variation within and between populations; therefore, dandelion wild populations can be used for domestication, breeding and selection of accessions most suitable for the pharmaceutical or food industries.

The Lecythidaceae family tree, Couroupita guianensis Aubl, popularly known as Nagpushpa, is a widely cultivated ornamental tree with several uses in traditional medicine. The tree is revered as highly sacred in Indian traditional culture due to its uniquely shaped, fragrant flowers. Considering the significance, we were prompted to carry out the metabolite and transcriptome analysis of Nagapushpa. The flower, petals, stamen, stem and leaf of C. guianensis were metabolically profiled, and it was discovered that the flower tissue contained the highest terpenoid reservoir. A number of terpenoid pathway transcripts were also found in the flower tissue after transcriptome profiling. KEGG pathway mapping was carried out to correlate transcript sequences with the biosynthesis of different types of terpenes. We were able to clone three full-length terpene synthase gene candidates, i.e. monoterpene ocimene synthase, diterpene ent-kaurene synthase and sesquiterpene farnesene synthase. The transcript expression of selected terpene synthase genes was also verified in flower tissue. These cloned sequences were used for in silico structural investigations and protein function prediction at the level of 3D structure. The data presented in this study provide a comprehensive resource for the metabolic and transcriptomic profiles of C. guianensis. The study paves the way towards the elucidation of terpene biosynthetic pathway in C. guianensis and heterologous production of useful terpenoids in the future.

Cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) pollen helps attract wild and managed bees needed to produce hybrid seed. Pollen quantity and grain size (≈quality) are affected by the environment, but are also heritable traits of interest for breeding. Florets from public inbred B-lines (maintainer) and R-lines (restorer) were used to evaluate pollen quantity and quality, test for trait correlations and determine if line development has changed pollen traits. Pollen quantity (≈25,000–67,000 grains per floret) and diameter (≈30–37 μm) were similar to previous reports and values of each parameter were correlated across years. Pollen quantity per floret was positively correlated with floret size (area; mm2) but floret sizes and pollen quantity were unrelated to pollen grain size. Groups of lines released relatively early (1968–1986) or late (1988–2006) did not differ in pollen quantity or size, and male (R-line) parents did not produce larger grains. The strong, positive correlation between floret size and pollen quantity reveals a possible trade-off because wild bees generally prefer sunflowers with shallower florets. The apparent lack of change in pollen quantity or pollen grain size over time (and lack of increased pollen size in R-lines relative to B-lines) suggests that the quantity and quality of pollen may not be limiting factors in the success of inbred lines or resulting hybrids. Though sunflower lines with larger florets contain more pollen, additional variation in pollen visible on sunflower heads may relate to the timing or completeness of pollen extrusion from anther tubes.

Indigofera oblongifolia Forssk. locally known as ‘Goilia or Jhil’, is an important underutilized leguminous browse shrub for small ruminants in hot arid region of India and traditionally utilized for its medicinal value. Its irregular patchy distribution was observed in depression of rocky areas, bunds of farmer fields and along the depression on the road sides in Jaisalmer and Pali district during collection. Soil samples collected from Pali district have high level of pH and electrical conductivity as compared to Jaisalmer which indicates its suitability to saline areas. It exhibited good plant growth under Jodhpur conditions with respect to plant height (171.5 cm), number of branches (47.9) and canopy diameter (100–210 and 115–180 cm in north-south and east-west direction, respectively) after 12 months of planting in fields under protected condition. Morphological characterization showed the presence of high coefficient of variation (%) in the number of raceme per branch (27.3) followed by raceme length (22.9), pod length (21.0) and least in pod width (8.1). Phytochemical results revealed that leaves of I. oblongifolia contained considerable amounts of total phenols (31.44 mg g−1), flavonoids (29.73 mg g−1) and antioxidant capacity (6.26 FRU g−1) which make its suitability as a browse species to ruminants in rangelands. Along with these finding, its traditional knowledge and utilization are detailed in this paper as to hasten further research on its various aspects for its sustainable utilization in rangelands or in alternate land use systems in the Indian hot arid region.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) leaves have many compounds with proven bioactive activity; so, interest and consumption of species' products have increased globally. Here, we used 19 yerba mate genotypes from a provenance and progeny trial, yielding findings that could have significant implications for the species' vegetative propagation and genotype selection, where we indicate some potential genotypes, contributing to yerba mate silviculture and breeding programmes. We evaluated season and genotype effects on rooting of cuttings, contents of bioactive compounds and the influence of these compounds on rhizogenic process. We prepared semi-woody cuttings in four seasons; after 100 days we evaluated rooting variables. Methylxanthines (caffeine and theobromine) and monocaffeoylquinic acids contents were measured using high performance liquid chromatography, from aqueous extract of stock plant mature leaves. There was no correlation between rooting variables and evaluated compounds. Just eight genotypes presented above 70% of rooted cuttings in at least one season. Rooting variables varied between these genotypes and seasons. Caffeine and 5-caffeoylquinic acid (CQA5) significantly contributed to separated genotypes and seasons. CQA5 showed highest levels in spring. Regarding to genotypes, EC22 showed low levels of caffeine in all seasons. The great variation in compounds among genotypes indicates the possibility of breeding for chemical characteristics and raw material production for different products. Our results also indicate the importance of seasons for yerba mate vegetative propagation success and leaf compound contents.

A better understanding of diversity in landraces is essential for planning crosses for the development of trait specific varieties with better adaptability and stability. In the present study, 120 wheat genotypes comprised of landraces, genetic stocks, released varieties and improved genotypes were evaluated in randomized block design for 14 agro-morphological traits. The clustering method and principal component analysis (PCA) programme of Statistical Package for Agricultural Research (SPAR1) was used for grouping the genotypes. These 120 genotypes were grouped into nine clusters based on agro-morphological traits. These nine clusters differed significantly on the basis of mean values for 14 agro-morphological traits. PCA showed that the two principal components (PC1 to PC2) exhibited about 49% of the total variability. Scatter plot was constructed by plotting scores of PC1 and PC2. Based on mean values obtained over two years, the diverse superior genotypes were identified for utilization in hybridization programme. From the present study, we conclude that cluster analysis grouped the landraces with greater agro-morphological similarity into one group rather than geographical isolation indicating that geographical origin may not be the only factor causing diversity. Further, released varieties exhibited superiority for grain yield, while many landraces had higher values for number of tillers in a meter, biomass and thousand-grain weight (TGW). Thus, for the improvement in TGW in released varieties, the hybridization between superior landraces for TGW from cluster ‘E’ and released wheat varieties from cluster ‘C’ could give desirable segregates.

Germplasm characterization and evaluation are essential for the genetic improvement of crops. In this study, a collection of 204 groundnut accessions including 13 checks held by Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, Ghana were evaluated under optimal conditions for 2 years. The objectives were to characterize the groundnut collection using 18 qualitative and 14 quantitative traits and to determine the relationships between the traits. Combined analysis of variance based on augmented design revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the accessions for majority of the traits. Results of principal component analysis showed that all the quantitative traits were relevant in discriminating the accessions. Primary seed colour was the most diverse qualitative trait based on Shannon diversity index (n = 0.77). Frequency distribution analysis showed predominance of decumbent growth habit and pale tan seeds. Cluster analysis using qualitative traits identified five major groups of accessions and three each based on quantitative traits and joint analysis of quantitative and qualitative traits. Number of main branches (NMB) and pod width (PW) appeared the most important traits with positive contribution to yield based on correlation and path coefficient analysis. Ten promising trait-specific accessions were identified for earliness along with desirable pod and seed traits. GH 9672 and GH 9665 were identified as promising for higher grain and fodder yield. Five accessions (GH 9833, GH 9829, GH 9830, GH 9835 and GH 9750) produced ~5–30% more grain yield than the best check. This study underscored ample phenotypic variation that would ultimately be exploited for genetic improvement of groundnut.