Genetic analysis of seed dormancy and productivity in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Investigations on genetic analysis of seed dormancy and productivity in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) were carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara from 1992-95. The objective of the study was to find out the gene effects of biometric traits and seed dormancy in groundnut, so as to suggest appropriate breeding methodology and parental combinations to evolve domant, high yielding and early manuring varieties. The findings of the study are briefed below. Evaluation of 28 genotypes (14 domant and 14 non domant) for two seasons revealed that wide range of variability existed among them. Donors for specific traits were identified . The genotypes were also genetically diverse and could be grouped into four clusters. The line x tester analysis with three lines and five testers revealed that additive gene effects governed most of the characters except pod yield and number of mature pods , for which , non addictive gene effects were important. To harness both the types of gene effects pedigree method followed by selection in advanced generations will be fruitful.