Authors : Zekeria Yusuf, Habtamu Zeleke and Wassu Mohammed
Abstract: Determination of genetic variability with the help of parameters such as genetic coefficient of variation, heritability estimates and genetic advance are basic tools used in plant breeding experiment. Sixteen groundnut varieties were evaluated for quantitative parameters. The oil analysis was conducted for groundnut genotypes grown across four locations in Ethiopia. The experiment was laid out in an RCBD with two replications. The results of combined analysis of variance has shown that high heritability with high expected genetic advance were observed for stearic acid, arachidic acid, eicosenoic acid, lignoceric acid and oleic to linoleic acid ratio indicating the predominant role of additive gene action and the possibilities of effective selection for the improvement of these traits. However, heritability for oil content is low showing that direct selection for oil content is difficult; the possible improvement of oil content should be indirect selection through highly heritable traits.
Zekeria Yusuf, Habtamu Zeleke and Wassu Mohammed, 2021. Genetic Variability for oil quality traits in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Ethiopia. Research Journal of Agronomy, 15: 12-16.