Heterotic potential of single crosses in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Two sets of diallel crosses involving diverse parents were evaluated for heterosis and combing ability for 15 characters measured at seedling, flowering, and harvest phases. The utility of Spanish x Spanish, Valencia x Valencia, Virginia Bunch x Virginia Bunch and Virginia Runner x Virginia Runner crosses along with the infra-specific ones in breeding programs is emphasized. A high range of heterosis was shown by a few crosses. Parents of the diallels were classified as High (H) or Low (L) on the basis of their gca over the 15 characters spanning the entire growth phase of the plant. It was suggested that the heterotic potential of H x L crosses could be successfully exploited to create a broader genetic base.