HIGH YIELDING GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGEA L.) VARIETY "GOLDEN"

Abstract

Kernels of a groundnut variety No. 334 were irradiated at 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 KGys doses of gamma rays using 60 Co gamma cell at Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabd in 1990. Raised M1 to M7 generations followed by consecutive selection for high yield and good plant type at Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Chakwal from 1990 to 1996. Mutant 96CG010 was selected on high pod yield basis and evaluated its performance along with standard varieties in various replicated yield trials. On the basis of its superb performance in yield trials, Punjab Seed Council approved it as a commercial variety in 2002 under the name “Golden” for general cultivation in Punjab. Average and potential pod yield of “Golden” is 2413 and 4100 kg ha -1 , respectively. It has resistance against Cercospora leaf spot (Tikka disease). Reddish seed coat color of this variety is the distinct character to distinguish it from other approved groundnut varieties.