#selection

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) is a legume crop with high nutritional and economic potential but remains underutilized in Burkina Faso. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the agromorphological variability of six Bambara groundnut genotypes in comparison with two released varieties in order to identify discriminant traits for possible varietal registration. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Collected parameters were subjected to descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) to explore variability patterns. Results revealed significant phenotypic variability among the genotypes, particularly for seed width, growth cycle, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. Three distinct genotype clusters were identified based on maturity cycle and productivity. A clear differentiation was observed between the six genotypes and the released varieties, mainly according to maturity duration and yield potential. Genotypes KVS246C and KVS17C, characterized by short cycles and high productivity, appear promising candidates for varietal release and for production in short-rainfall zones, whereas KVS235C, KVS105bC, and KVS62C displayed moderate yields suitable for more favorable environments. These findings highlight exploitable diversity for selecting high-performing genotypes adapted to local agroecological conditions.