Assessment of Groundnut Genotypes for Genetic Variation, Disease Resistance and its Inter-relationship with Yield and its Component Characters

Information on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance was derived from data on 14 characters in 81 genotypes of groundnut. PCV and GCV estimates were relatively high for number of branches, leaf spot severity, rust severity and bud necrosis incidence. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for test weight, pod yield, leaf spot and rust and bud necrosis incidences. Correlation co-efficient of three diseases with yield and its component characters revealed highly significant positive correlation of leaf spot severity with rust severity and oil content but significantly negative with days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and test weight. Rust severity showed highly significant negative association with days to maturity and plant height. Bud necrosis incidence showed significant negative association with plant height. Screening of genotypes for disease resistance revealed that sources of resistance to leaf spot, rust and bud necrosis diseases are available in groundnut. Six genotypes showed higher yields combined with high resistance to leaf spot and rust over checks.