Assessment of genetic variability and identification of transgressive segregants for pod yield and its component traits in F₂ segregating generation of groundnut (Arachis hypogea L)

Three F₂ populations derived from three crosses viz KCG-6 × ICGV-91114, KCG-6 × TG-69 and TMV-2 × ICGV-00350 were assessed to estimate the nature and magnitude of genetic variability for pod yield and its component characters during Kharif 2014. The estimates of phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic (GCV) coefficients variances were high for pod yield, kernel yield, total pods, matured pods and oil yield per plant in all the crosses indicating wide range of variability. The difference between PCV and GCV was narrow signifying the lesser influence of environment on these characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance of mean (GAM) was noticed for matured pods, kernel yield, oil yield and pod yield per plant and harvest index and shelling per cent in all the three crosses which indicated the involvement of additive gene action in controlling these traits. Good number of transgressive segregants was observed over better parent for pod yield, oil content and matured pods per plant.