Selection for High-Yielding Peanut Lines Using the Factor Analysis and Genotype-Ideotype Design (FAI-BLUP) Index

Abstract

Peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oilseed and food legume, yet its productivity is often constrained by environmental variability and the complex nature of yield-related traits. This study aimed to identify high-yielding peanut genotypes using a multi-trait selection approach. A total of 59 genotypes, comprising 54 breeding lines and 5 check varieties, were evaluated across two dry-season environments in Thailand using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were analyzed using mixed linear models to estimate best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs), and the Factor Analysis and Ideotype-Design BLUP (FAI-BLUP) index was applied to integrate multiple traits and rank genotypes based on their similarity to a predefined ideotype. Significant genetic variation was detected for most traits, and factor analysis grouped the traits into three principal factors associated with yield performance, physiological efficiency, and seed quality. Using a 20% selection intensity, twelve genotypes were identified as superior. Among these, 12BS018, 12BS022, 13W089, and 11231-3 demonstrated the highest yield potential (up to 2278 kg·ha − 1 ) and favorable agronomic attributes, outperforming all check varieties. These results confirm the effectiveness of the FAI-BLUP index for simultaneous improvement of multiple traits without requiring economic weights. The study highlights the utility of multi-trait selection tools in peanut breeding and identifies promising genotypes for development into high-yielding cultivars suitable for dry-season production.