Description

Abstract: Selection of superior host genotypes in symbiosis with native Bradyrhizobium has been suggested as a means of increasing nitrogen fixation m peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). In this study progeny from a cross of cultivars ‘Florigiant’ and ‘Florunner’ inter-mated twice and selected for yield formed the base population. The 44 selected S2,1 families, ‘Florigiant’ and ‘Florunner’ were evaluated at two sampling dates at each of two locations for traits indicative of nitrogen fixation. Five families were selected in each of four selection groups –high and low acetylene reduction and high and low plant weight. Selected families were retested in a second year and inter-mated. S2,1 progeny within each selection group were bulked and evaluated for nitrogen-if using characteristics at two ‘sampling dates at two locations. After intermating, the mean of the high acetylene reduction group, 62.9 ?/moles C2H4/plant hr, was Significantly greater than the mean of the low acetylene reduction group, 52.5 ?moles C2H4/plant/hr, and of the mid-parent, 55.8 ?/moles C2H4/plant/hr. The associated estimate of realised heritability was 55