Genetic Instability and Outcrossing in the Groundnut Variety Mani Pintar

Abstract

IN the course of groundnut variety selection work carried on in Northern Rhodesia since 1954, a number of unusual groundnut varieties have been obtained from various sources. The most unusual and interesting of these has been the variety Mani Pintar, obtained from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Stock, Australia, in the early part of 1955. This variety has yielded consistently well in trials and appears to be well adapted to local conditions. It suffers, however, from the serious disadvantage of having a variegated red and white testa; in all other respects the variety is eminently satisfactory. Mani Pintar is an alternately branched spreading bunch variety which matures locally in 140–150 days, it has dark green foliage and is fairly resistant to the Cercospora leafspots, the seeds remain dormant for some time after maturity, the kernel oil content is fairly high (about 50 per cent) and is higher than most locally grown varieties; in addition, the yields of kernels and hay are consistently good. The combination of bunch habit and variegated red and white testa found in this variety is rather unusual. In Arachis nambiquarae Hoehne, a form with a similarly variegated testa, the habit is prostrate.