Interspecific Derivatives for Widening the Genetic Base of Groundnut

Abstract

One hundred and fifteen interspecific derivatives of groundnut developed at National Research Centre for Groundnut,
Junagadh (Gujarat) were evaluated along with checks in augmented design for yield and yield related traits under
field conditions. The analysis of variance for quantitative traits revealed wide genetic diversity for biological yield,
pod yield, kernel yield, hundred-kernel mass, harvest index and shelling out-turn. Two genotypes NRCGCS 268
and NRCGCS 269 recorded significantly higher hundred-kernel mass than the check variety, TKG 19A. Genotypes
NRCGCS 257 and NRCGCS 277 were tolerant to multiple foliar diseases recording less than 4.0 disease severity
of early leaf spot, late leaf spot and rust on a modified 9-point scale. Eight genotypes were found promising for
oil content with more than 50% oil. The promising interspecific derivatives identified for various quantitative traits
would help in broading the genetic base of groundnut.