Abstract:
In the present study twenty -three accessions of groundnuts collected
from four ecological zones: Costal savanna zone (CSZ); of Grater Accra and Volta
regions (10); Forest-Savanna Transition Zone (F-STZ) of Eastern region (9);
Transitional Zone (TZ) of Ashanti (3) and the Guinea Savanna Zone (GSZ) of the
Northern region (1) were characterized and evaluated in a three-replicated trial
under field conditions during the 2003 season at Nyankpala lying in the Guinea
savanna zone of Northern Ghana. Great variabilities were observed among the
accessions for the quantitative traits studied. Significant positive relationship
existed among plant spread, pod yield, grain yield, haulm yield, CGR, PGR, p
and HI. Accessions from the TZ and F-STZ had the greatest plant height, plant
spread, pod and grain yields and those from the CSZ were the least. There was
a significant negative correlation between days to 50% flowering and the vegetative
characters (except branches per plant) on one hand and pod and grain yield on
the other hand. CGR, PGR, HI and p
were the best or had the most discriminatory power for characterization and
selection. Most productive genotypes do not necessary possess the most desirable
traits for yield hence genotypes must be characterized for nodulation, confectionery
status, oil and protein contents as well.
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