Forty years of mutation research in groundnut at Trombay: accomplishments and potentials

Genetic improvement of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) through radiation induced mutations directly or by crossing mutants has been in progress at this Centre since late 50s. The present report is an attempt to highlight the important results achieved so far. Significant among them is the development and release of eight Trombay groundnut varieties for commercial cultivation. Some of these varieties are covering considerable cultivated groundnut area across the country. As a result of induced mutation research, several altered traits were isolated. They include modifications at sub-species levels, biochemical characters, breaking certain strong linkage of agronomical and physiological features, which are of interest to evolve superior genotypes for breeding purpose. Currently, thrust is given to develop new selections with traits such as large seeds and early maturity, early maturity and high yield, resistance to foliar diseases and modified oil and protein content. These results are reviewed. (author)