Evaluation of yield and yield components of groundnut genotypes under Cercospora leaf spots disease pressure

2015

English

Yield reduction in groundnut genotypes has been attributed to many factors including Cercospora leaf spots disease. Knowing the groundnut varieties that are tolerant to this disease and at the same time having higher yield potentials would help farmers and breeders to make the right choice of a variety for cultivation or for further improvement. Therefore, this study was conducted during September-December, 2013 growing season to evaluate the yields and yield components of 20 groundnut varieties in a field designated as a ‘hot spot’ for Cercospora leaf spots disease in Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crop Research Institute (CSIRCRI), Fumesua-Kumasi, Ghana. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in all the traits studied viz., days to 50% flowering, number of matured pods per plant, pod weight per plant (g), 100 seed weight (g), pod yield (kg/ha), disease incidence, defoliation and disease severity. The mean pod yield was 1312kg/ha for the 20 genotypes. The top 11 high yielding cultivars (Oboshie, GK7, Obolo, Otuhia, Nkatekokoo, Bremawuo, Jenkaar, Adepa, Nkatiesari, Summnut22 and Manipinta) were all moderately resistant to the disease. These varieties should be preferred for commercial production in areas where Cercospora leaf spot disease exists.

Sewordor Gaikpa, D.; Akromah, R.; Asibuo, J. Y.; Appiah- Kubi, Z.; Nyadanu, D.