Heterosis for Yield and Yield Attributes in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Eighteen F₁ hybrids obtained by crossing six lines and three testers in a line × tester mating design were used to generate information on the extent of heterosis over better parent, mid parent and standard parent in groundnut. These parents and crosses were grown in a randomized block design with two replications. The maximum standard parent heterosis for pod yield and kernel yield per plant were observed to be 211.45% and 181.24% respectively. Six hybrids viz., ICGV 00350 × VRI Gn 6, CO 7 × GPBD 4, ICGV 03128 × GPBD 4, ICGV 03128 × COG 0437, ICGV 03128 × VRI Gn 6 and TMV 2 × GPBD 4 were found high heterotic for pod yield and kernel yield per plant. They also exhibited high heterosis for many yield attributing traits in desirable directions and these hybrids offer best possibilities for future exploitation of hybrid vigour in groundnut.