Genetic divergence studies for yield and its component traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

The genetic diversity analysis revealed the formation of eleven clusters suggested the presence of wide genetic diversity among the fourty genotypes studied. The analysis of per cent contribution of various characters towards the expression of total genetic divergence indicated that 100 pod weight followed by shelling percent, kernel yield per plant, 100 kernel weight, plant height and days to 50% flowering contributed maximum contribution towards total divergence in the present study. Based on the maximum genetic distance, it is advisable to attempt crossing of the genotypes from cluster X with IX, IX with II and cluster VIII with II which may lead to broad spectrum of favorable genetic variability for yield improvement in groundnut.