Estimates of genetic parameters in peanut lines based on peg-linked traits

Abstract

Genetic parameters of traits related to peanut pegs were assessed from F₂ lines carried out on two environments, in Pernambuco state - Brazil. Ninety lines and ancestors were evaluated in completely randomized block based on these traits: total number of pegs, pegs located at lower third of the plant, main axis height and number of pods per plant. Reproductive efficiency was also estimated based on number of pods per plant (NVP)/total number of pegs (NGT) and number of pods per plant (NVP)/pegs located at lower third of the plant (NGTI)  rations. Variance components were estimated by Restricted Maximum Likelihood Method (REML) and the genotypic values were predicted by Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP). The heritability estimates were low and median for all traits. It was found that selection based on these traits has limited benefits on initial breeding. Genetic correlations were found between total number of pegs (NGT) x number of pods per plant (NVP) and pegs located at lower third of the plant (NGTI) x number of pods per plant (NVP). The traits total number of pegs (NGT) and pegs located at lower third of the plant (NGTI) could be used on further selection procedures focusing on pod productions.