Variability studies for yield and related traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) genotypes

Abstract

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an unpredictable crop due to its underground pods development. Nut yield is not only polygenically controlled, but also influenced by its component characters. For improvement of yield in groundnut direct selection is often misleading. The knowledge of existing variability and degree of association between yield contributing characters and their relative contribution in yield is essential for developing high yielding genotypes in groundnut. Fourteen advanced breeding lines along with three checks were raised in a RBD (Randomized complete block design) with three replications and they are evaluated for 12 characters. Analysis of variance was revealed that significant variations were observed among the genotypes for all the characters studied. The high and moderate Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was observed in hundred pod kernel weight (g), hundred pod weight (g), dry pod yield (g/plot), dry haulm yield (g/plot) and kernel yield (g/plot) indicating that good scope for yield improvement through phenotypic selection. The dry pod yield per plant had significant positive correlation with days to 50% flowering, dry haulm yield (g/plot), kernel yield (g/plot), hundred pod weight (g) and hundred pod kernel weight (g). Path coefficient analysis revealed that, kernel yield, hundred pod weight, dry haulm yield, days to 50% flowering, hundred kernel weight, initial plant count and sound mature kernel at genotypic level reported the highest positive direct effect on pod yield per plot indicating that the selection for these characters was likely to bring about an overall improvement in pod yield per plot directly.