Multi-seasons evaluation of Spanish bunch advanced breeding lines for fresh seed dormancy in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

A study was conducted to identify sources of highly stable fresh seed dormancy with Spanish descent in groundnut. Pooled analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences between genotypes and genotype environment interactions for fresh seed dormancy at weekly intervals, suggesting differential behavior of genotypes for fresh seed dormancy in response to environmental conditions. Based on duration of dormancy, four advanced breeding lines (PBS 16023, PBS 15014, PBS 14064, and PBS 11077) were identified as new sources with fresh seed dormancy of 21 days in Spanish background. These genotypes can be used in regions where in-situ germination is problematic. In addition, they can be incorporated into local genetic improvement to develop high-yielding genotypes with two to three weeks of fresh seed dormancy to prevent losses caused by in-situ germination.