Studies on characters association for yield and its components in groundnut(Arachis hypogaeaL.)

Abstract

In any crop improvement programme, the success in genetic restructuring of a population depends upon the information available on the genetic architecture of quantitative traits influencing yield. Hence, a study on inter-relationship among foliar disease resistance, yield and its component traits are important. Correlation analysis among yield and its component characters was carried out to identify the selection indices in BC1F1 generation of four crosses, viz. ICGV 00350 × GPBD 4, ICGV 03128 × GPBD 4, TMVGn 13 × GPBD 4 and VRI2 × GPBD 4. Kernel yield plant−1 and pod yield plant−1 expressed significant and positive association with number of primary branches, number of pods plant−1, 100-pod weight, 100-kernel weight, shell weight and shelling percentage in all the four crosses studied. Hence, these characters may be considered as selection indices. These characters may be given due emphasis in breeding for high kernel yield and pod yield in groundnut. The association among plant height, sound mature kernel per cent, late leaf spot and rust disease scores with yield and other yield component traits varies with the population. Hence, these characters may also be considered as selection indices with caution.