Integrated analysis of agronomic traits and nutritional composition in Bambara groundnut: correlation, regression, and path coefficient approaches

Abstract

Bambara groundnut is vital for food security due to its high nutritional content and resilience to environmental stresses. The objectives of the study were to determine associations among agronomic traits and nutrients in Bambara groundnut and identify traits influencing grain production in Bambara groundnut. Field experiments were conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Ukulinga Farm and Controlled Environment Facility (CEF) to assess agronomic performance and nutritional content. Nutritional content was evaluated using standard combustion procedures and electron microscopy. Correlation, regression, and path coefficient analyses revealed varying relationships among agronomic traits, nutrient content, and grain yield. The number of seeds (NS), healthy seeds (NHS), and plant height (PH) exhibited significant associations with grain yield. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), starch, magnesium (Mg), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and phosphorus (P), were the key predictors of grain yield productivity. Path coefficient analysis showed that NS, PH and magnesium, oxygen, and carbon contents positively affected grain yield. In conclusion, grain yield was influenced by multiple traits through different pathways that are complicated by the growing environment. Selecting taller genotypes with good agronomic traits and high nutrient content is recommended to develop high yielding Bambara groundnut cultivars.