Character association and path analysis in F3 segregating generations for yield and its component traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Pod yield in groundnut is a complex trait and depends upon the interplay of a number of components attributes. In this study, four F3 crosses of groundnut genotypes were evaluated to investigate the interrelationship among the yield attributing traits and physiological traits. In all the crosses, dry pod yield per plant reported a highly significant positive association with number of mature pods per plant, kernel yield per plant, haulm yield per plant and shelling per cent indicating the importance of these traits while selection is under consideration for dry pod yield. Path analysis study indicated a high positive direct effect by kernel yield per plant in two crosses viz., Kadri-9 × GPBD-4 and ICGV-00351 × Sunoleic-95R. This association indicates that these yield related parameters can be used as preliminary screening tools for selecting high yielding genotypes for the next generation.