SCREENING EXOTIC GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) LINES FOR INTRODUCING AS A SMALL-SEEDED VARIETY (ANKGN4/Tiny) IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

Small seeded groundnut varieties utilized for the chocolate balls and candies have huge demand by the producers. In the present study, through a screening process of exotic germplasm, a new small seeded groundnut line (SAARC NO 201) was identified as a promising variety for the industry. The SAARC NO 201 line matured within 3 months. The average yield of the line was 2.7 t ha−1 (±0.14) higher than that of Tissa (2.3 t ha−1±0.24) and ANKG1 (2. 3 t ha−1±0.13). The potential yield of the SAARC NO 201 line was 4.2 t ha−1. Further, it was moderately resistant to collar rot, leaf spot, rust, and bud necrosis disease and leaf-eating caterpillars at field level. Hence, it has been released by the Department of agriculture in 2020, renaming as ANKGN4/Tiny considering its suitability for the chocolate ball industry and the greater potential for increasing productivity of groundnut in Sri Lanka.