Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of yield and related traits in F3 generation of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Groundnut is a highly self-pollinated crop and due to the uniformity of the traits imposed by the peanut growers, it is losing its genetic base. Hence, there arises a concern for creating more genetic variability in the population. With this information in background, the present study was carried out to examine the variability of prominent yield and yield attributing traits in this unpredictable legume crop. This will provide insight into the expression of traits and the influence of environment on those traits. High GCV, PCV values were recorded for the number of pods per plant, 100 pod weight, 100 kernel weight, shelling percent and number of mature kernels in the present study. This indicates the presence of ample variability for these traits. Hence these traits can be opted for selection as they contribute more towards variability with least influence of environment over it. Most of the traits recorded high heritability and high GAM, which is a positive sign for least influence of environment on population and presence of additive gene action.