Exploring Genetic Variability for Yield Attributes in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes

Abstract

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a key oilseed crop valued for its high-quality oil and protein-rich kernels, playing an important role in food security and farmers’ livelihoods. The present study was conducted during kharif 2023 and 2024 at RVSKVV, Gwalior, to assess genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for morphological, physiological and yield attributing traits of groundnut genotypes and their segregating generations. Six parental genotypes including three males and three females were used to develop F₁, F₂, BC₁ and BC₂ populations, that, along with the parents, were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. Fourteen traits were recorded. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed highly significant treatment mean squares for all traits, indicating existence of substantial genetic variability among genotypes. Notably high mean squares were recorded for number of pods per plant (MS = 200.467), pod yield per plant (194.847), kernel yield per plant (114.439), biological yield per plant (3112.981) and dry weight (464.015), suggesting a wide scope for selection and improvement. Mean values ranged from 24–32 days for days to 50% flowering, 18.93–52.81 cm for plant height, 10.00–45.53 for numbers of pods per plant, 4.10–38.93 g for pod yield per plant and 3.06–31.03 g for kernel yield per plant, highlighting presence of an adequate phenotypic diversity. High GCV and PCV estimates were observed for pod yield (52.52 %, 52.77 %), kernel yield (60.31 %, 60.58 %) and numbers of pods per plant (39.92 %, 40.14 %). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM) for kernel yield per plant (H² = 99.12 %, GAM = 123.69 %), pod yield (99.03 %, 107.66 %) and numbers of pods per plant (98.94 %, 81.80 %) suggests the predominance of additive gene effects. The investigation provides a framework for selecting superior genotype (s) and to develop high-yielding, adaptable groundnut cultivar (s), thereby enhancing productivity and supporting sustainable groundnut cultivation.