Performance of long- and short-duration rosette-resistant groundnut genotypes in Malawi

Selected long- and short-duration rosette resistant groundnut genotypes, ICGV-SM 93535, ICGV-SM 93561, ICG 12991 and ICG 12988, were evaluated at several sites for yield and adaptability, with JL 24, a rosette-susceptible variety, as a control. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in three replications. The experiments were conducted both on-station and on-farm during summer and winter months (under residual moisture) in the 1998/99 and 1999/00 crop seasons. ICG 12991 and ICG 12988 gave similar yields to the control variety at most sites. However, in areas where rosette pressure was high, ICG 12991 and ICG 12988 significantly (P≤0.05) out-yielded the recommended variety JL 24. In another experiment, selected Virginia groundnut genotypes, C581/7 and D27/3, from the National Groundnut Breeding Programme, and two other genotypes, P49-6 and ICGV-SM 89709, from the ICRISAT Groundnut Project, were evaluated together with CG 7 as a control variety in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in four replications. The experiment was conducted on-station at Chitedze, Chitala, Mbawa, and Makoka Research Stations in the 1998/99 crop season; and at Chitedze and Chitala Research Stations in the 1999/00 crop seasons. The objective of the experiment was to identify the highest yielding genotype with acceptable grain characteristics. P49-6 and C851/7 gave similar seed yields to CG 7 at all the experimental sites during the two years of study. However, the yield of C851/7 was lower than P49-6 and CG 7, the red-seeded types. Nevertheless, C851/7 has desirable and favourable seed characteristics for confectionery purposes, such as good pod filling, tan seed coat and a good roasted flavour that is similar to that of Chalimbana