Genetic variability studies in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) germplasm

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), also known as peanut, is an important legume crop grown widely for its edible seeds and oil purposes. Genetic variability is one of the important factor in crop improvement. A study has been conducted to know the nature, magnitude and extent of variability among 105 genotypes of groundnut. Experiment was laid out in augmented block design during Kharif 2021-22 for eleven characters. Significant differences were found for all characters studied except for days to 50 percent flowering indicated that high degree of variability present among the genotypes. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) estimates were relatively higher for pod yield per plant, kernel yield per plant, number of matured pods per plant, haulm yield per plant and harvest index. Higher values were for PCV than GCV indicated the predominant role of environment. High heritability coupled with high GAM were documented for hundred kernel weight, pod yield per plant, number of matured pods per plant, hundred pod weight, haulm yield per plant, kernel yield per plant, harvest index and oil content indicating the preponderance of additive gene action and selection would be effective even in the early generation.