Characterization and evaluation of exotic groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) genotypes

Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L) is one of most important oil crops which belongs to the leguminaceae family. Presently over 15000 ha are being cultivated in Sri Lanka annually and it is in an increasing trend. Groundnut production and productivity can be further increased by development of high yielding varieties. Exotic genotypes are very important in broadening the genetic pool of groundnut and it is the basis for successful breeding program. Characterization and evaluation of exotic genotypes will give a basic understanding of the diversity of genotypes to improve the groundnut breeding program. A study was conducted to characterize and evaluate three exotic groundnut genotypes with two recommended varieties. Field experiment was carried out at Grain Legumes and Oil Crops Research and Development Center, Angunakolapelessa, Sri Lanka during 2016 yala season. Recommended varieties Tissa and ANK G1 was used as check varieties. All phenotypic data were collected according to the Descriptor for grain legumes and oil crops, published by Plant Genetic Resources Center, Sri Lanka (1995). Results suggests that sufficient amount of morphological variation was present among the tested genotypes. Growth habit, pod characters and pod sizes were shown significant amount of morphological variation, while the maturity of Line no.201 was similar to check varieties, where can be included in short duration group. Line no. 202 can be considered as important, in which most of the yield parameters were high in that line. According to the seed characteristics such as 100 seed weight, seed length and seed width, all genotypes can be categorize in to medium sized category. Pod yield was varied between 800-1400 kg/ha among the genotypes where the mean yields were not significantly different. These findings would broaden the understanding of the exotic genotypes, where the genetic background of the genotypes can be exploited through hybridization, according to the breeding objectives.