Variation for fatty acids and oil quality parameters in backcross population of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Groundnut is an important oilseed legume and oil quality mainly depends on its fatty acid composition. In present study, backcross populations of the cross between GPBD 4 × GM 4–3 (using GPBD 4 as recurrent parent) were evaluated for two generations in augmented randomized block design at experimental plots of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. Frequency distribution and mean values of both generations showed considerable variability for oleic acid, linoleic acid, O/L ratio and iodine value. Both Oleic acid and linoleic acid are associated strongly with linoleic acid and iodine value in both backcross generations. Moderate heritability of oleic acid and high heritability of O/L ratio and also negative correlation between O/L ratio and linoleic acid suggests the scope for selection of oleic acid and O/L ratio to improve oil quality in groundnut.