Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Analysis for Pod Yield and its Component Characters in Groundnut [Arachis hypogaea (L.)]

Background: Groundnut is an important oilseed crop in the India. The groundnut kernels serve as a rich source of edible oil (48-50%) and quality protein (25-28%). In crop improvement programme, availability of sufficient genetic variability is of immense importance. The knowledge of nature and magnitude of genetic variance controlling yield and yield components is a prerequisite for improvement of yield in any crop. Methods: The present investigation was undertaken to assess the genetic variability and character associations for pod yield and component characters in 45 genotypes of groundnut. The genotypes were raised in randomized complete block design with three replications during kharif 2019 at SKNAU, Jobner (Rajasthan). Result: The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied indicating presence of wide genetic variation for different characters. In the present investigation, high genetic advance coupled with high heritability and GCV was observed for biological yield per plant, 100-kernel weight, kernel yield per plant, dry pod yield per plant and pods per plant which indicated prevalence of additive gene action in their expression and these traits possessed high selective value. Kernel yield per plant, pods per plant and biological yield per plant exhibited significantly positive correlation with dry pod yield per plant both at genotypic and phenotypic levels, while shelling percentage at genotypic level only. Three characters viz., kernel yield per plant, pods per plant and biological yield per plant could be considered as direct selection parameters for yield improvement in groundnut because they exerted positive direct effect on dry pod yield per plant.