Nature and degree of distribution for yield and yield attributes in F3 generations of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Skewness and kurtosis statistics gives an insight into the shape of the distribution Considering the skewness dry pod yield per plant, kernel yield per plant and oil content recorded a negative skewness in all the four crosses indicating the role of non duplicate gene interactions and importance of mild selection to gain maximum genetic gain. Positively skewed distribution for traits days to physiological maturity, number of mature pods per plant, haulm yield per plant, HKW, shelling per cent, protein content and oleic acid content could be due to the favourable allelic interactions of both the parents involved and thus can be considered beneficial due to complimentary gene action in play. Intense selection for rapid genetic gain should be adopted here for improvement of these traits. Regarding kurtosis platykurtic nature was noticed in most of the traits under study. Thereby, directional selection will effectively improve the mean performance of these traits.