Diallel analysis for yield, yield traits and foliar disease resistance traits in groundnut [Arachis hypogaea(l.)

Abstract

Combining ability of eight diverse genotypes for yield and foliar disease resistance traits was estimated to assess the type of gene action governing the yield and disease resistance traits and to identify genotypes suitable for use as parents in breeding for high yielding associated with foliar disease resistance. Twenty-eight F1s (excluding reciprocals) from an eight parental diallel cross and their parents were evaluated in a randomized block design. Data were recorded on sixteen traits including morphological, yield and yield traits and foliar disease resistance traits. Highly significant GCA and SCA effects recorded for almost all the studied traits, but the SCA effects were lesser than the GCA effects indicated the additive type of gene action suggested that the selection for high yield and for foliar disease resistance should be effective in early generations. Strong association between parental means and GCA effects for yield and disease resistance traits suggested that the per se performance of the parental line could be used as a predictor of the capability of a line to transmit the foliar disease resistance and yielding traits to its progenies. The parental lines, GPBD 4 and ICG (FDRS) 79 were found to be suitable as good donors in a foliar disease resistance breeding program.