Abstract

Twenty eight F₂ populations were evaluated for genetic parameters of 23 characters of morphological, physiological, yield and yield attributes during spring 2009. TPT-4 x ICGV-91114 was distinct for its lowest mean value for days to maturity and highest mean values for number of well-filled and mature pods per plant, shelling percentage, 100- kernel weight. The F₂ involving JL-220 as one of the parentsviz., JL-220 x ICGV-99029  for SCMR, JL-220 x TCGS-647 for SMK percentage, protein percentage, kernel yield per plant and pod yield per plant showed the highest per se performance. High genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for the number of secondary branches per plant. High heritability and high GAM was recorded for the number of secondary branches per plant, high heritability and moderate GAM were observed for days to 50% flowering. The leaf area index, number of well-filled and mature pods per plant, dry haulms yield per plant and harvest index showed moderate heritability and high GAM. This indicates that these characters are under additive genetic control and selection for genetic improvement will be worthwhile and may rapidly contribute to pod-and kernel yields.

Key words: Groundnut, genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and genetic advance as percentage of mean.