Gene Action for Yield and Yield Attributes by Generation Mean Analysis in Groundnut (Arachis HypogaeaL.)

Abstract

Genetic studies assist the breeder in understanding the inheritance mechanism and enhance the efficiency of a breeding programme. Knowledge of the way genes act and interact will determine the breeding system that optimizes gene action more efficiently and will elucidate the role of breeding systems in the evolution of crop plants. The generation mean analysis was employed in four crosses viz., CO 7 × GPBD 4, ICGV 03128 × GPBD 4, ICGV 03128 × COG 0437 and ICGV 03128 × VRI Gn 6 of groundnut to partition the genetic variance into additive, dominance and epistasis. Hence F1, F2 and F3 generations of each cross were evaluated along with their parents to assess the nature of gene action involved for various characters which in turn helps in formulating an effective and sound breeding programme in groundnut. In all the vegetative and reproductive characters, additivity, dominance and one or more of the epistatic effects determined the expression. Pedigree method of breeding followed by simple selection in later generation would be a meaningful breeding strategy to be followed in such crosses for the improvement of the characters under evaluation. Considering the kernel yield per plant, pod yield per plant and foliar disease incidence, the cross ICGV 03128 × GPBD 4 was adjudged as the best cross for further selection programme.