Genetic diversity and association studies among some quantitative traits in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment comprised of fourty diverse genotypes of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) was laid out-in Randomized Block Design (RBD) replicated thrice at the experimental farm of Niger Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Vanarasi during Summer, 2016 to investigate the magnitude of genetic variability, character association, path analysis and genetic divergence in groundnut. The analysis of variance revealed that the significant differences observed among the groundnut genotypes studied for all the characters indicating the prevalence of genetic variability. The range of variation was the maximum for 100 pod weight, shelling percent, 100 kernel weight and plant height while kernel yield per plant, pod yield per plant, days to maturity and days to 50% flowering were recorded moderate range of variation recorded and narrow range of variation for number of mature pods per plant and oil content. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for kernel yield per plant followed by pod yield per plant and number of mature pods per plant while the high heritability coupled with high genetic advance for 100 pod weight indicating the presence of lesser environmental influence and prevalence of additive gene action in their expression. Therefore, it was amply clear that these traits were less influenced by the environmental change and hence improvement in these traits would be more effective through the selection owing to their additive gene effect whereas moderate genetic advance for shelling percent, 100 kernel weight and plant height indicating expected progress for these traits through simple selection. Correlation studies revealed that the genotypic correlations were higher than their corresponding phenotypic correlation for all the characters and the depended trait pod yield per plant was significantly and positively correlated at both phenotypic and genotypic levels with number of mature pods per plant, kernel yield per plant, shelling percent and days to 50% flowering. Hence, it can be advocated to give priority to these traits in the selection programme to developed high yielding varieties in groundnut. Path coefficient analysis revealed that kernel yield per plant, number of mature pods per plant exhibited high and positive direct effects on pod yield per plant whereas 100 kernel weight, plant height, days to 50 % flowering exhibited low and positive direct effects towards pod yield. These findings suggested that emphasis should be given on these traits for selecting elite genotypes and further breeding programme. Based on D values, clustering of fourty genotypes , by Tocher’s method which grouped into eleven clusters revealed that the pattern of distribution of genotypes did not confirm with eco geographic distribution. Among different ten traits studied, the 100 pod weight followed by shelling percent, kernel yield per plant, 100 kernel weight, plant height and days to 50% flowering contributed maximum towards the total genetic divergence . The higher inter cluster distance between IX and X suggested a cross between parent ICG-10 and S-206 produce desired segregants for superior 100 pod weight and shelling percent with earliness in groundnut. On the basis of overall findings of the present investigations, it would be, therefore, worthwhile to consider days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of mature pods per plant, 100 pod weight, 100 kernel weight, kernel yield per plant and shelling percent as true components of pod yield per plant in groundnut and hence more stress should be laid on these traits in selection programs aiming t o improve pod yield in groundnut. A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T After successful completing the long educational journey, I look back and find that though mine has been a fairly sail, it has been mesmerizing extravaganza of memorable experiences. I also realize how difficult it is to wrap my feelings with plumage of worldly words more so as I am inundated with emotions. At this gratifying moment completion of my research problem, I feel obliged to record my gratitude to those who have helped me. Every author owes a debt to his teachers. Therefore, I seize this opportunity to express my deep sense of indebtedness and profound gratitude to my major advisor Dr. P. K. Jagtap, Assistant Research Scientist, Niger Research Station, N.A. U. , Vanarasi, Ta. Vansda, Dist. Navsari, for his keen interest, scientific guidance, constructive criticism and inspiration during the course of investigation and preparation of this dissertation. I could not have imagined having a better advisor and mentor for my M.Sc. study, most valuable and inspiring guidance with him. I fail in words to express my heartfelt thanks to the members of my advisory committee, Dr. A. V. Narwade, Assosicate Professor, Dept. GPB, N. M. C. A. , N.A. U. , Navsari, and Prof. H. N. Chhatrola, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Stat. & computer centre, ASPEE college of H & F. , N.A. U. , Navsari for their valuable guidance and ever willing co-operation. Thanks are also due to Dr. R. K. Patel, Associate Professor and I/C Head, Dept. of GPB, N. M. C. A. , N. A. U. , Navsari, Dr. K. G. Modha, Asst. Professor, Prof. G. D. Vadodariya, Asst. Professor, and Dr. Madhubala, Asst. Professor, Dept. of GPB, N. M. C. A. ,NAU,Navsari. I am highly thankful to Honorable Vice Chancellor, Dr. C. J. Dangariya sir , Director of Research and Dean PG studies, Principal, Registrar, Library staff and all the department of N. M. College of Agriculture, NAU, Navsari for providing necessary facilities during the course of studies and investigation. I am also thankful to Dr. M. C. Patel, Amit Malviya (Agril.officer),Rashikbhai, Niravbhai and all the staff members of Niger Research farm, N. A. U. , Navsari and to Dr. Vipul Patel , Dr. Kedarnath, Sanjaybhai (Agril.Assist.) and other staff member of Regional Rice Research Station, Vyara for ren dering helps during the course of field experimentation. I want to extend a multitude of thanks to my seniors friends Prakashbhai, Abhishekhbhai, Vasavabhai(Assist.prof.), Sanjubhai, Jigneshbhai, Hemrajbhai, Sambhai, Kalpeshbhai, Chintanbhai and colleagues Arashi, Ashish, Hardy, Mahendra, Shubham, Nitesh, Vishvas, Mitesh, Mavani, Nisarg, Pratik, Dipesh, Ramesh, Kinjal, Kajal, Aditi. I also thanks to my best friends for Nikhil, Mahendra, Dipsingh, Chandu, Chandrakant, Vishal, pooja, Shefali, Kalpana, Hasm ukh, Manish, Haresh, Kaushik also with my juniors Vipul, Jignesh, Ankit, Hiral, Vipul Ganvit for their help and cooperation during the course of investigation. I am also thankful to my divine brothers Sandipbhai, Dr. Jaydeepbhai , Dr.bhaveshbhai(Asst.prof.), Manishbhai, Sanjaybhai, Hetalbhabhi, Dr.kirtidabhabhi, Rinalbhai, Rameshbhai Sharmilabhabhi, Jayabhabhi, Mayurbhai, Hirenbhai, Hemantbhai for his self-less love throughout journey and encouragement during my study. On my personal note, I would like to express my gratitude and respect to my beloved family members mother Smt Kamuben, father Shri Sureshbhai, Arvindbhai & Gulabbhai (mota-pappa), Padmaben & Premiben (moti -mammy), and my sisters Rekha, Nirmalaben, Minal, Kusbu, Isha and also my grand-father lt.Madhubhai and grand-mother Kakaduben. And all family members and other who always wanted my success, inspired me with their love and affections and for the sacrifice made by them to shape my career. I express my infinite sense of gratitude to the lord krishna and Godness for continuously providing me spiritual energy, which has inspired me to reach at the highest excellence during my academic career and life. Place: Navsari ( Ganvit R. S. ) Date: 01 /07/2017 Dr. P. K. JAGTAP Assistant Research Scientist Niger Research Station Navsari Agricultural University Vanarasi, Ta. Vansda, Dist. Navsari C E R T I F I C A T E This is to certify that the thesis entitled, “GENETIC DIVERSITY AND ASSOCIATION STUDIES AMONG SOME QUANTITATIVE TRAITS IN GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.)” submitted by GANVI I T RAKESHBHAI I SURESHBHAI I in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of MASTER OF SCI I ENCE ( ( Agri i cul l t t ure) ) in the subject of GENETICS AND PLANT BREEDING to the Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari is a record of bonafide research work carried out by him under my guidance and supervision and the thesis has not previously formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma or other similar title. Place: Navsari (Dr. P. K. JAGTAP) Date: 01 /07/2017 Major Advisor