Character Association in Virginia Bunch and Runner Types of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.)

Forty five genotypes of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) belonging to Virginia botanical group, differing in habit and duration, were studied to obtain information on certain genetic parameters. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients and path analysis were worked out for seven characters, viz, days to maturity, number of primary and secondary branches number of mature pods, shelling percentage, 100-kernel weight, and pod yield per plant. Pod yield was positively and significantly associated with number of mature pods. Path coefficient analysis revealed that pod yield was mainly governed by number of mature pods and 100-kernel weight. Correlations and path analysis taken together revealed that yield improvement could be achieved by selection for number of primary branches, secondary branches, mature pods and 100-kernel weight in Virginia bunch and Virginia runner short duration groups, while in Virginia runner long duration group emphasis should be laid on mature pods, 100-kernel weight and shelling outturn.