Genotypic variability and inheritance of irono phosphorus, potassium and zinc contents in segregating generations of peanut (Aruchis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Micronutrient malnutrition is a serious health issue affecting billions ofpeople in developing countries. Peanut is rich in several mineral elements required for human nutrition. The objective of this study was to understand genetic variability and inheritance pattern of phosphorus (P), potash (K), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentrations in F, and F, generations of two peanut crosses namely Girnar-3 (Cross-B). P,h"u, Zfl,r,"rr, Kn",,, x FDRS-l0 (Cross-A) and TG-37A F€,n",,, and Feu.,n",were positively skewed indicating additive geneaction. Kurtosis for most of the characters moved in positive direction from F, to F, generation indicating a reduction in variation as generation advances. Phenotypic coefficient ofvariance (PCV) and genotypic coefficient ofvariance (GCV) revealed that traits were under genetic control and possessed substantial variability and hence a good scope for improving these characters. Both additive and non-additive types of gene actions were observed with the predominance of additive gene action for the inheritance of P, K, Fe and Zn in shell and kernels. Dominance variance (H) also played an important role in the inheritance of P, K, Fe andZn in peanut. Average degree of dominance for most ofthe traits was greater than unity indicating over dominance for these traits. Mineral elements had signifrcant association among themselves but very few associations with pod yield. Selection and hybridization followed by pedigree breeding method are suggested in the later generations for genetic improvement to identifu high yielding peanut genotypes rich in P, K, Fe andZn.