A half diallel cross between six parental peanut genotypes to obtain 15 crosses. All genotypes were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replications under two different sowing dates for yield and its components. Genotypes mean squares were found to be significant for all character under both and across sowing date. The parent Introd. 372 gave higher value for no. of pods/plant, no. of seeds/plant, seed weight/plant (gm) and shelling percent in both and across sowing date . Significant mean squares for general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities were detected for all traits under study. GCA/SCA ratios were higher than unity, indicating that greatest role of the additive and additive x additive types of gene action in the expression of these traits. Parental peanut genotypes Introd. 623 showed positive and significant GCA effects for all characters under both and across sowing dates. Introd. 250 revealed that positive and significant GCA effects for 100-pod weight while, Introd. 324 was good general combiner for no. of seeds/plant, seed weight/plant and shelling (%) at both and across sowing dates. Peanut crosses (Introd. 372xGiza 6, Introd. 623xGiza 6 and Introd. 171xIntrod. 324) exhibited positive and significant SCA effects for most studied yield characters under both and across sowing dates. These results are of great interest for peanut breeders when planting effective and correct breeding programs to improve yield and yield components |
