Development and validation of KASP markers for nut yield in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

This dataset includes phenotypic and genotypic data collected from five cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) parental lines and their 119 hybrids evaluated under field conditions in Côte d’Ivoire. The objective of the study was to characterize early vegetative vigor and provide genomic resources for association and breeding analyses. Phenotypic measurements were recorded six months after transplanting and include nine vegetative traits : number of branches (NB), branch length (LB), seedling height (HS), seedling circumference at collar (SC), leaf width (LW), leaf length (LL), number of leaves (NL), east–west seedling wingspan (EWSW), and north–south seedling wingspan (NSSW). Genotypic data were generated using Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) assays based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers identified through a genome-wide association study (GWAS). This dataset provides a valuable resource for studying genetic diversity, marker trait associations, and early growth performance in cashew breeding programs. It can be used for quantitative genetic analyses, genomic selection, and marker-assisted breeding strategies.