Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis studies in segregating generation of three crosses for pod yield and its attributing characters in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted using three different F2 populations of three cross combinations viz., TAG 24 × ICGV 00350, TMV 2 × ICGV 86031 and JL 42 × ICGV 91114 to study the extent of genetic variability and correlation of pod yield and its attributing characters. The estimates of PCV and GCV were high for number of branches per plant, pod yield per plant, kernel yield per plant, and oil yield per plant in all the three crosses. It will be more meaningful if the structure of yield is probed through its components rather than directly since there may not be any gene for yield as such but operates only through component characters. Hence, it is anticipated to break genetic barriers of the yield by the study of character association and such associations are best ascertained by phenotypic correlations. Phenotypic correlation coefficient analysis for yield and its attributing traits for all the three crosses were carried out and Characters which showed significant correlation with pod yield per plant were subjected to path analysis in order to partition the correlation coefficients in to direct and indirect effects of component traits on pod yield. In F2 generation maximum direct effect on pod yield was mainly through kernel yield per plant in all the three crosses. Shelling per cent exhibited direct negative association with pod yield in all the three population. Plant height was found to have indirect negative association with pod yield via. Kernel yield per plant in the crosses.