Mutants resistant to foliar diseases in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L)

Foliar diseases particularly leafspots and rust are the major factors limiting yield and quality in groundnut. Most of the groundnut cultivars in India are highly susceptible to foliar diseases, Fungicidal sprays are effective in controlling these diseases, but the use of disease-resistant cultivars is a better approach. A number of resistant germplasm lines are available but many other undesirable attributes limit their utility as cultivars, Attempts have been made to produce high yielding disease resistant cultivars through hybridization, but the lines developed either had only moderate resistance or retained one or more undesirable features, Mutagenic treatment of Valencia 1 with EMS, resulted in isolation of a large number of foliar disease-resistant mutants. Three mutants, viz. 28-2, 45 and 110 combined high yield potential and early maturity, besides multiple disease resistance and desirable pod and kernel features, These mutants can be widely tested for their commercial release and/or profitably utilized in future breeding programmes.