Seed dormancy studies in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.): I. Methods of screening. (183)

Abstract

Twenty-eight genotypes belonging to diverse groups of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) were screened for seed dormancy using three different methods, viz., in situ sprouting, sowing in petriplates, and field germination test. All three methods of screening were able to discriminate effectively between dormant and non-dormant types and, in addition, the petriplate test was able to identify fresh seed dormancy types within the non-dormant category. Four genotypes from ssp. fastigiata variety vulgaris, i.e., TG-17, ICGS-37, ICGS-19, and J-11 had fresh seed dormancy ranging from 20-30 days while the remaining genotypes in this group were found to be non-dormant. All the genotypes from ssp. hypogaea had appreciable levels of seed dormancy except Somnath (Virginia Runner group) and GG-20 (Virginia Bunch group). The field sprouting method was, however, the easiest and most convenient method for identifying genotypes with seed dormancy within the segregating material.