Assessment of genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L)

Data was collected on Twelve characters measured on 27 progenies of three crosses and four checks (Cross 1-Phule Unnati x ICGV 15311, cross 2-Phule Unnati x ICGV 15308, cross 3-Phule Unnati x Girnar 4, checks-Phule Unnati, Girnar 4, ICGV 15311, ICGV 15308) evaluated in randomized block design with Three replications, studied the magnitude of genetic variability, character associations and direct and indirect contribution of various components on dry pod yield and oleic acid. The observations were recorded on days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of mature pods plant-1, dry haulm yield plant-1, dry pod yield plant-1, hundred kernel weight, shelling percentage, harvest index (dry weight basis) (%), sound mature kernel (%), oil content (%), oleic acid (%) and protein content (%).The differences recorded in progenies were statistically significant for all the traits studied and the estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation recorded the good amount of variability among all progenies. Phenotypic coefficient of variation estimates was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation for all traits studied indicating the influence of environment on these characters and the estimates of genotypic correlation coefficients were observed higher than their corresponding estimates of phenotypic correlation coefficients. The dry pod yield per plant showed significant positive correlation with dry haulm yield per plant, sound mature kernel, number of mature pods per plant, oil content, shelling percentage, harvest index, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, hundred kernel weight, oleic acid (%). Dry pod yield per plant showed significant negative correlation with protein content (%). Path coefficient analysis revealed that the number of mature pods per plant showed higher direct effect on dry pod yield per plant followed by days to maturity, oil content, sound mature kernel. While protein content, dry haulm yield per plant, days to 50% flowering, shelling%, oleic acid (%), harvest index (dry weight basis), hundred kernel weight showed negative direct effect on dry pod yield.