Exploring genetic variation In F2 population of groundnut using quantitative traits

An investigation was conducted during the Rabi/summer 2023-24 at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur to assess the extent of variability generated by hybridization and to estimate the heritability and genetic advance as a per cent of mean for pod yield and its attributing traits in F2 generation of the cross TMV-2 × K-1812. Genetic variability is essential for enhancing crops as it allows for a broader range of selection options. Hence, the success of selection relies on the type, amount and degree of genetic variability in the material, as well as how much of it is inherited. The segregating population thus obtained was evaluated for ten quantitative traits, revealing significant variability due to genetic segregation. The F2 population showed significant genetic variability for ten traits including pod yield and yield-contributing traits. Traits like the number of branches per plant, number of matured pods, dry pod yield, kernel yield, biological yield and harvest index exhibited higher GCV and PCV coupled with high heritability and GAM values indicating sufficient variability for selection. The phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) was slightly higher than the genotypic co-efficient (GCV), indicates minimal environmental influence.