Effect of Genotypes and Environments on Oil Content and Oil Quality Parameters and Their Correlation in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The quality of edible oils is now receiving increasing consideration from consumers and processors. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of environments on oil content and fatty acid composition in peanut. The correlation between oil content and oil quality parameters was also studied. Thirteen peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes were grown in 12 environments for the study. Soils at experiment locations differed significantly for pH, EC, and N, P, Zn, Mn, and Fe contents. Significant genotype, environment, and genotype x environment interaction effects were observed for oil content, individual fatty acid contents, and derived oil quality parameters. The original range of 34-54% of oil content based on one season/location evaluation in these lines was not repeatable, and ranged from 45-50% in multilocation evaluation. Oil content was positively correlated with soil pH and Fe content. The correlation of oleic and linoleic acid content with soil pH and Fe content was positive in the former and negative in the latter. The oil content was positively correlated with O/L ratio. Oliec and linoleic acid contents were negatively correlated. Selection for reduced linoleic acid level in genotypes would also reduce levels of total long chain saturated fatty (TLCSF) acids. Of the thirteen genotypes tested, ICG 5856, ICG 5369, and ICGV 87124 could be used in breeding for improved oil quality