Gene action studies of yield-contributing traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) through generation mean analysis

Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are a vital leguminous crop that is grown for both their oil and edible seeds. It is essential to research the gene activity of groundnut features that contribute to yield in order to create effective breeding plans that will increase quality and productivity. The current study was performed in Kharif 2024 at Department of Oilseeds, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Six parameter generation mean analysis was performed for two crosses, Cross I (VRI 9 × Girnar 5) and Cross II (BSR 2 × Girnar 5), were evaluated with three parental lines: VRI 9, BSR 2 and Girnar 5. Results show that additive and dominance gene actions influence trait inheritance. Additive x additive interaction played a key role in all the traits in both crosses except days to 50 % flowering and single plant yield in cross II. Similarly, additive x dominance interaction influenced days to 50 % flowering, no. of pods per plant, no. of mature pods per plant, shelling percentage and oil content in cross I. Whereas shelling percentage along with test weight in cross II. Dominance x dominance interaction was seen in all the traits except no. of mature pods per plant in cross I and days to 50 % flowering and primary branches of cross II. These results provide important information for comprehending genetic interactions in groundnut breeding projects and for creating practical plans to enhance yield and other agronomic characteristics over the course of multiple generations.