Nitrogen harvest index in relation to productivity in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L)

Abstract

Twelve lines derived from three single crosses were used to evaluate the role of the two characters, nitrogen harvest index (NHI) and total nitrogen percentage (TN) in selection or productivity in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The selected lines could be differentiated either by the breeding process, intermating or selfing, through which they were evolved or by their high or low yield levels. There was significant variation among the lines for TN and NHI. NHI was positively and significantly correlated with pod yield. NHI and TN together could identify the yield status of all the lines correctly. The mean values of NHI and TN were much higher in high yielding lines compared to the values of their superior progenitor parent. The reverse was true for low yielding lines. The results suggest that nitrogen harvest index is an important parameter to reckon with in programmes of yield improvement in groundnut.