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Genetic Improvement in Large‐Seeded Virginia‐Type Peanut Cultivars since 1944 1
Author(s) -
Mozingo R. W.,
Coffelt T. A.,
Wynne J. C.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1987.0011183x002700020020x
Subject(s) - cultivar , arachis hypogaea , loam , agronomy , biology , yield (engineering) , genetic gain , horticulture , soil water , genetic variation , ecology , materials science , metallurgy , biochemistry , gene
Peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) yields have increased from an average of 1120 kg ha −‐1 in the 1940s to over 3360 kg ha −‐1 in the 1980s in the Virginia‐North Carolina Production Area. This yield increase may be attributed to the development of new cultivars as well as changes in production practices during this period. In order to measure increases attributed to genetic improvement, a 3‐yr field study (1982–1984) was conducted at the Tidewater Research Center in Suffolk, VA on an Eunola loamy find sand soil (Aquic Hapludults) and the Peanut Belt Research Station in Lewiston, NC on a Norfolk sandy loam soil (Typic Paleudults) using current production practices. The highest yielding cultivar developed during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s had an average yield increase of 3.4, 10.2, and 18.5%, respectively, over the standard ‘NC 4’. During the 1970s, breeding emphasis was placed on pest resistance and quality acceptance. Consequently, yields of cultivars released to date during the 1980s have not surpassed the cultivar with the highest yield developed during the 1970s. Results from this study show genetic improvement has been made in large‐seeded Virginia‐type peanut with an 18.5% yield increase attributed to improved cultivars. This genetic improvement has accounted for yearly yield increases of 14.7 kg ha −1 .