Important Accomplishments

1979-2004

Assembly characterization and maintenance of elite groundnut germplasm

A liitle more 5000 germplasm accessions, collected from 68 countries, have been characterized for various agronomic and biochemical traits besides resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Several promising accessions were identified for high pod yield, high oil content, high shelling outturn, high seed protein, bold seeds with confectionery characters, high seed viability, high water use efficiency (WUE), soil moisture deficit stress tolerance, high temperature tolerance, cold tolerance, soil salinity tolerance, iron up-take efficiency, resistance to major diseases and insect-pests. The date has been documented in nine germplasm catalogues.

Breeding for high productivity

Five breeding lines, HO 24 Red (M 13 x NCAc 17500), NFP 101 (TMV 7 x Chico), NFP 140 (MK 374 x Flourunner), HPS 17 (M13 x PI 314817) and RB 90 (Robut 33-1 x NCAc 17090), were found to have high oil (>52 %) content. CGC 4018, tested in AICRPO trials, has been released as a national multiple resistant variety under the name Girnar 1. From the segregating material generated at the NRCG, four high yielding cultivars viz. GG 5 and GG 7 for Gujarat, HNG 10 for Rajasthan, and AK 159 for northern Maharashtra, developed by the respective centres of the AICRP on Groundnut, have been released.

Breeding for high peg strength

High peg-strength from five donors has been incorporated in five high yielding spreading genotypes (M 13, GG 11, GAUG 10, Karad 4-11 and C 364).

Inheritance and linkage of qualitative characters

Inheritance and linkage of 30 qualitative traits in cultivated groundnut have been determined. Expression of twenty-nine plant characters, has been found to be determined by major nuclear genes while one variegated mutant was maternally inherited. A linkage map for the genes governing four pod characters was proposed. Genetics of late leaf spot and rust has been worked out. 

Transfer of alien gene for groundnut improvement

So far more than 600 interspecific derivatives have been produced. Partially fertile interspecific derivatives have been isolated from the cross between cv. Co 1 x A. chacoense. Autotetraploids of A. duranensis, Arachis sp. GK 30008 and A. otavioi have been produced.

Tissue culture

High frequency in vitro regeneration methods for groundnut through induction of multiple shoots and somatic embryogenesis (both primary and secondary) and embryo rescue techniques have been developed to overcome interspecific incompatibilities.

Development of profitable agronomic practices

Paired-row planting technique, adopted for Indian conditions, gives enhanced pod yield especially in rain-fed situations and is now very popular in Saurashtra. Intercropping groundnut with, sunflower, pegionpea and bajra has been recommended. Criss-cross planting of groundnut has been found to give 14% higher yield of groundnut over traditional parallel-rows planting.

Factors limiting groundnut production identified

Fertilizer has been identified as single most important factor limiting groundnut productivity during rainy season while variety, plant density, and plant protection also play a critical role.

Development of ideotype concept in groundnut

Ideotypes with desirable morphological, phenological and physiological attributes have been proposed for Spanish and Virginia forms.

Management of soil moisture deficit stress

Critical stages at which soil moisture deficit is detrimental to pod yield have been identified. Cultivars GG 2, NCAc 17090, TAG 24, and Girnar 1 have been found to be tolerant of soil moisture deficit stress. Under deficit soil moisture condition, SLA of groundnut genotypes has found to be negatively and significantly related with their isotope discrimination abilities (C13/C12 ratio) vis-a-vis water use efficiency (WUE).

Drying and storage methods to preserve the seed viability

Suitable seed drying (NRCG method) and storage methods have been developed to prevent rapid loss of seed viability in rabi/summer groundnut. In this technology, groundnut pods, after their initial drying in shade, are filled in polyethylene lined gunny bags along with a desiccant like CaCl₂, the bags are then sealed at stored at a dry place. With this technology, the seeds of rabi-summer produce remains viable (>80 per cent) for the next rabi/summer sowings. This technology is very useful to the small groundnut farmers in the eastern and north-eastern parts of the country.

Management of iron chlorosis and sulphur deficiency

Spray of aqueous mixture of 0.5 per cent FeSO₄ + 0.02 per cent citric acid @ 500 litres per hectare, at 30, 40, 60 and 75 days after emergence, reduces iron chlorosis considerably. Application of elemental sulfur @ 20 kg/ha in furrow at the time of sowing can increased the pod yield by 25 per cent over control. Iin place of elemental sulfur, gypsum, phosphogypsum or pyrite can also be used.

Identification of  Bradyrhizobium and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) for enhancing groundnut yield

Two strains of Bradyrhizobium,, IGR 6 and IGR 40, identified at this Centre, increased the pod yield of bunch groundnut by 9-18 per cent and 6-14 per cent, respectively. These and recommended for rain-fed groundnut cultivation as seed treatment. Inoculation of groundnut with rhizobial culture, TAL 1000 increased pod yield by 18 per cent over the control. Highly competitive strains of groundnut rhizobia viz., NRCG4 and NRCG9 have been identified. Three PGPR isolates viz. PGPR 1, PGPR 2, and PGPR 4 (all fluorescent pseudomonads) have been found to increase yield by 7-10% in multi-location testing and have been recommended for rain-fed groundnut cultivation. Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms viz., Bacillus polymyxa and Pseudomonas striata have been recommended for rain-fed groundnut cultivation as seed treatment.

Utilization of groundnut by-products

Economically viable technologies have been developed for production of cellulase enzyme from groundnut shell and amylases from groundnut cake by microbial fermentation.

Management of foliar fungal diseases

Early planting, plant spacing of 45cm X 10 cm, intercropping of groundnut with pearl-millet and pigeon pea (1:3), foliar spray of aqueous neem leaf and use of biocontrol agents, Penicillium islandicum, Verticillium lecanii and Trichoderma species have been found useful in managing major foliar fungal diseases.

Integrated disease management (IDM)

An IDM module for major foliar fungal diseases during rainy season with CBR of 1:3.6 has been developed as given below:

• Seed treatment with Carbendazim @ 2g/kg seed or Mancozeb @ 3g/kg seed or Trichoderma @ 4 g/kg seed for controlling seed borne fungal pathogens.
• Soil amendment with castor cake @ 500 kg/ha for controlling soil borne pathogens causing stem and collar rots.
• Spray of neem seed aqueous extract (5%) or crude neem oil (2%) in Teepol for controlling foliar fungal diseases.

Management of aflatoxin contamination

Several genotypes including released varieties, germplasm lines, bold-seeded genotypes, breeding lines and wild Arachis species have been screened for resistance to seed colonization and less aflatoxin production by two virulent isolates (NRPL 3000 and V 3734/10) of Aspergillus flavus under artificially inoculated conditions. The following genotypes were found resistant to seed colonization by A. flavus:

• Breeding lines: CGC 2, CGC 7, 1-4, 1-7, GAUG1xNCAc 927, S230xPI337394F, HPS 17, HPS 1, Latur33x PI337394F, B99-1, and B95
• Germplasm accessions: Ah 71223, Ah 20, GRP 34, NCAc 1855, and NRCGs 698, 912, 8770, 8972, 8974, 376, 839, 878, 4324, 7211
• Wild Arachis species: cardenasii, A. duranensis
• The genotypes identified for supporting less aflatoxin production were KRG 1, RSB 87, S 230, TMV 7, TMV 12, B 95, B 99-1, GRP 34, and ICG 239, 671, 7277, 5363
• Seed treatment with 2% aqueous rock salts, Asafoetida and turmeric powder and 3 day wind-row drying have been found useful in preventing aflatoxin contamination.
• Sun drying, exposure to fumes and spray of 1% common salt has been found useful in detoxification of aflatoxin.

Pheromones of leaf-miner

• An efficient pheromone trap for groundnut leaf-miner has been developed for the first time in colloraboration with IICT, Hyderabad.

Integrated pest management (IPM)

A holistic integrated pest management (IPM) has been developed to manage insect-pests, disease and weeds effectively. The higher CBR of 1:3.13 has been realized with net return of Rs. 17810/ha in IPM package. The package includes:

• Shielding groundnut crop with 1-2 row of castor and bajra
• Seed treatment with Carbendazim @ 2g/kg seed
• Growing a single row of soybean and pigeon pea as an intercrop after every 4 rows of groundnut
• Keeping 10 pheromone traps per hectare for leaf minor and 8 traps for Spodoptera and Heliocoverpa
• Spray of insecticide mixture (2 per cent crude neem oil + 0.02 per cent phosphomidon + 0.04 per cent endosulfan) at 40 DAS
• Application of Bt @ 300-500g/ha for control of Spodoptera and Helicoverpa
• Application of Flochloralin 1.5 kg/ha a.i./ha
• One interculturing at 35 DAE and one hand weeding at 30 DAE
• Spray of fungicide mixture moisture (Carbendazim + Mencozeb @ 0.25% and 0.05%, respectively) at 55 DAS and spray of culture filtrate of Penicillium islandicum at 70 DAS.

Technologies Transferred

The Centre has developed the following low cost technologies for the groundnut farmers/users:

• Paired-rows and criss-cross planting system
• Effective Bradyrhizobium , PGPR and PSM strains for inoculation of rabi/summer and kharif groundnut
• New drying and storage methods for retention of seed viability of rabi/summer groundnut
• Use of aqueous extract of neem leaves and other plant derived products for controlling diseases
• IPM in groundnut
• Girnar 1, a multiple resistance groundnut variety
• A simple, rapid and economical instrument viz. archilipometer for rapid estimation of oil content in the kernels of groundnut samples

The technologies developed by the centre have been directly transferred to the farmers of several villages of Junagadh under the Technology Assessment and Refinement Through Institute Village Linkage Programme (TAR-IVLP) of the ICAR.

2004-07:

• Germplasm collection of 8983 accessions of cultivated species and 70 accessions of wild species were conserved. Over 4000 accessions have so far been characterized for various agronomic traits. Repatriation of 514 accessions of Indian origin from ICRISAT to national gene bank was completed.
• Progenies of over 100 crosses were supplied to the breeders of AICRPG network
• Girnar-2, a Virginia bunch genotype with high input use efficiency was identified for release in Zone 1 (Rajasthan, U.P. and Punjab)
• Marker assisted breeding programme initiated. Markers for foliar disease resistance and water use efficiency characters are being identified
• Protocols for genetic transformation optimised and are now being used for introducing defensin (for fungal resistance) and (mtlD) manitol dehydrogenase (drought/salinity tolerance) genes.
• Inter-row water harvesting technique developed for soil moisture conservation.
• Microbial consortia developed for enhancing biological nitrogen fixation and phosphorus uptake
• IPM module for managing major groundnut insect-pests and diseases was developed
• Roles of Ca, Fe, Zn, B as supplementary nutrients in enhancing groundnut productivity was demonstrated
• ICGS 76, ICGS 44, ICGV 86590, BAU 13 and JL 24 were found suitable for cultivation in NEH region. Application of lime was found useful for managing soil acidity and aluminium toxicity in NEH region
• Morpho-physiological traits associated with water use efficiency and high temperature tolerance were identified 
• Prospects of producing enzymes and chemicals on commercial scale by microbial processing of groundnut shell and expeller and solvent cakes were demonstrated
• CS 19, a stem-rot resistant interspecific hybrid derivative, was developed and registered 
• Thresholds of soil and water salinity tolerance for groundnut crop was worked out
• Evaluation of quality traits of major groundnut varieties was completed.
• Components of pre- and post-harvest management practices for minimizing aflatoxin load in groundnut were worked out.

2007-2011

Crop Improvement

• Two varieties ‘Girnar 2’ (large-seeded Virginia bunch) and ‘Girnar 3’ (Spanish bunch with high water-use efficiency, tolerance of end-of-season drought and endowed with fresh seed dormancy of about 15 days – a rarely found trait in Spanish bunch background) were released.
• A total of 107crosses, 150 promising advanced breeding lines, and 3 elite breeding lines have been developed.
• Ten mapping populations (Recombinant Inbred Lines, RILs) for target diseases like stem rot, collar rot, foliar fungal diseases (Late leaf spot (LLS) and rust), Peanut bud nrecrosis disease (PBND) and Aspergillus flavus have been developed; the progenies of which are in different filial generations (F1-F4).
• Large sick plots (about 0.6 ha) have been developed in an isolated area to screen the segregating and advanced generation breeding materials against collar rot and stem rot.
• Studied the mechanism of host resistance to stem rot fungus and flavus through scanning electron microscopy.
• Two near isogenic lines “crinkle leaf white testa” and “crinkle leaf red testa” have been

developed.

• Interspecific genotype CS85 was identified as resistant to PBND at Raichur while, CS105 was identified as resistant to rust and LLS at Alyarnagar.
• Eight multiple diseases (rust, early leaf spot (ELS), LLS, PBND, stem rot and Alternaria leaf blight) resistant genotypes CS21, CS77, CS83, CS85, CS86, CS124, CS180 and CS222 have been submitted to NBPGR, New Delhi for registration.
• Six promising perennial and rhizomatous wild Arachis species have been identified for pasture development in wastelands.
• Genetic variation in 125 released groundnut varieties estimated and promising donors identified for improving fodder quality of groundnut.
• Relationship between yield and fodder quality parameters was worked out which indicated that nitrogen could be used as criteria while selecting for improved fodder quality.
• A total of about 9129 groundnut germplasm accessions which belonged to 84 countries are being conserved in the medium term storage module.
• A total of 115 accessions of wild Arachis species representing seven sections are being

maintained in the field gene bank.

• A total of 182 varieties released so far in the country (from 1905 to 2011) have been assembled and maintained. 152 released varieties have been extensively characterized based on 18 DUS test criteria.
• A working collection of 3273 cultivated groundnut has been characterized extensively for 18 qualitative and 28 quantitative traits.
• A composite collection for water use efficiency (WUE) has been developed which can be

evaluated for drought tolerance at target environments.

• Ten novel germplasm for fodder value and fresh seed dormancy in spanish bunch groundnut have been registered.
• Twenty eight accessions with low 13C have been identified. Three accessions have been found to register >52% of oil consistently over four years.
• Transgenic groundnut has been produced with the genes PBNV-CP, TSV, defensin to have tolerance to major biotic stresses in groundnut.
• Transgenic groundnut has been produced with genes, annexin and mtlD to have tolerance to major abiotic stresses in groundnut.
• Several hundred SSR markers were screened for their polymorphism and validated. Selected markers were mapped using the mapping population developed by UAS, Dharwad and ICRISAT (collaborative efforts).
• Extant varieties of groundnut have been fingerprinted.

Crop production

• Application of consortia of beneficial bacteria comprising PGPR, PSB and groundnut rhizobia as seed treatment enhanced the yield of groundnut by 9.6-21% in cultivar Girnar 2 under field conditions.
• Two newly identified strain of groundnut rhizobia RH11 and PAS 17-2 enhanced the pod yield of groundnut cultivar Girnar 2 by 9% and 25%, respectively over the standard culture NC92 in field.
• Application of AM fungi Glomus etunicatum, Glomus fasciculatum, Glomus mosseae and Gigaspora scutellospora improved growth, yield and nutrient uptake of groundnut cultivar GG 2 and TG37A in potted condition and field.
• Seven DAPG-producing fluorescent pseudomonads were identified possessing antifungal

activities against major soil-borne fungal pathogens of groundnut. Application of this fluorescent pseudomonas suppressed the incidence of stem rot of groundnut caused by Sclerotium rolfsii by 67-90%.

• The responsiveness of Zn and B were tested on 110 groundnut cultivars and the fertilizer

responsive cultivars were identified. High Fe and Zn containing cultivars were also identified.

• Field studies in North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region identified GG 7, GG 13, ICGS 76 and CSMG 84-1, as high yielding groundnut cultivars. The climate of NEH region favour growing large seeded groundnut and the cultivars BAU 13, GG 20, CSMG 84-1 and ICGS 76, and an advance breeding line NRCGCS 148 were identified for the region.
• Intercropping groundnut with maize, sesame, mung bean and rice was beneficial and were most suited with groundnut varieties ICGV 86590 and TKG 19A in NEH region.
• The highest total system productivity (2451 kg ha-1) and net returns ( `33541 ha-1) were obtained when groundnut wasb fertilized with FYM (5 t ha-1)+50% RDF, wheat with FYM (5 t ha-1) +50% RDF and green manuring with mung bean in the groundnut-wheat-mung bean cropping system.
• Kharif groundnut crop fertilized with 25 kg N, 80 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2O ha-1 significantly improved the pod yield by 10.4, 14.8 and 14.8% and haulm yield by 8.8, 11.6% and 10.8%.
• Summer groundnut crop fertilized with 37.5 kg N, 70 kg P2O5 and 30 kg K2O ha-1 significantly improved the pod yield by 10.2, 18.1 and 17.9%and haulm yield by 6.9, 10.1 and 6.4%over their respective controls. Soil fertility status improved with the addition of nutrients as compared to their initial status.
• Significantly higher pod yield of summer groundnut (2624 kg ha-1) was obtained under 40-60-60 kg ammo. sulphate + SSP + MOP +10:2:1 kg Fe Zn B ha-1 (T11) over all the other treatments except treatments those containing micronutrients and 25:50:0 kg recommended NPK +FYM 5 t+500 kg gypsum ha-1 (T3) while maximum haulm yield (4283 kg ha-1) was recorded under 40-60- 60 kg urea + SSP + MOP +10:2:1 Fe Zn B ha-1 (T9).
• Summer groundnut raised under polythene mulch recorded 11.3 and 20.5%significantly higher pod and haulm yields, respectively over control (without mulch). Application of hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 and integrated use of fertilizers significantly improved the pod yield of groundnut by 6.0 and 10.2 %, respectively over control and inorganic fertilization.
• Application of irrigation water either at alternate day or two-day interval through drip (10 or 15 days interval under check basin irrigation) did not affect pod and haulm yields of summer groundnut significantly. Crop fertilized with 75% NPK through drip significantly enhanced the pod and haulm yields by 16.8 and 15.1 %, respectively over 50% NPK through drip and was at par with 100% NPK through drip and 100% NPK placed in furrows followed by check basin irrigation.
• Significantly higher pod yield of groundnut (548 kg ha-1) obtained at 2dS/m and for cowpea (2732 kg ha-1) at 0.5 dS/m applied saline water
• Drought tolerance could be improved by compact canopy architecture in groundnut.
• Large water storage cells, higher stomatal density with small stomatal cell on both upper and lower surfaces of the leaf, higher palisade and spongy parenchyma cell thickness and higher number of xylem rows could increase with drought tolerance in groundnut
• The cultivar TAG 24 is most promising for cultivation under summer season as it has higher PN, gs, HI and lower ΔT in addition to higher stability in pod yield
• The variety TAG 24 is has better stress recovering capacity with high photosynthesis whereas damage via photoinhibitory action is minimum in variety ICGS 44 under water stress.
• Production of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation was more at both flowering and pod development stages in groundnut varieties SG 99 and DRG 1 compared to ICGS 44 and TAG 24. Core germplasm collection of DGR was evaluated for oil (ranged from 40.6 to 50.8% with a mean value of 45.4%) and protein content (ranged from 18.2 to 29.8% with a mean of 25.1%).
• Evaluation of 114 genotypes for O/L ratio (stability index) was studied which ranged from 0.81 to 28 (95R Sun Oleic).
• Aspergillus nidulans MTCC 831 showed maximum protease production during solid substrate fermentation (SSF) (17.09 IU/g of de-oiled groundnut cake after 72 hours of fermentation). The presence of Cu was found to enhance the activity of the enzyme. The enzyme was found to be tolerant to high salt concentrations; optimum temperature and pH were 50^oC and 7.0, respectively (280.26 IU/mg protein); compatible with detergent and the enzyme is 78 kD size.
• A highly efficient proteolytic isolate Bacillus F1 was identified, which in slurry fermentation, produced 302.9 IU protease g-1 de-oiled groundnut cake after 48 h of incubation at 50^oC.
• Seven proteolytic bacterial cultures, tolerant to high temperature, salinity and heavy metals, were isolated and evaluated. Two highly efficient proteolytic isolates of Bacillus for slurry fermentation of de-oiled groundnut cake were identified: SP8-14 produced 174 IU protease g-1 de-oiled groundnut cake after 48 h of incubation at 50 oC in 5% NaCl and F1 produced 107 IU protease g-1 de-oiled groundnut cake after 48 h of incubation at 60 oC and 5% NaCl concentration.

Crop protection

• Antagonistic activity of 41 isolates of Trichoderma were studied under in vitro condition against stem rot and collar rot pathogen
• Bio-agent Trichoderma harzianum (DGR T-170) effectively reduced the stem rot disease, while it was not effective to suppress afla-root disease.
• In the management of soil-borne disease through organic amendments (soil application of fresh leaves of karanj (Pongamia pinnata), banyan, Calotropis procera @100 kg ha-1, custard apple (100kg ha-1), and castor cake (500 kg ha-1), cotton seed cake (500 kg ha-1), gypsum (500 kg ha-1) and lime (100 kg ha-1 ) in furrow at the time of sowing, the incidences of soil-borne disease , stem rot and pod rot was significantly reduced with the application of Pongamia leaves and the application of castor cake. However, the least incidence of stem rot was observed with the application of elemental sulphur.
• The seed treatment of tebuconazole (2 g/kg) was effective for soil-borne diseases and foliar application of Difenoconazole (0.01%) was effective for the leaf spot and rust diseases.
• Analysis on post-harvest handling of groundnut in different processing industries for flavus infection with consequent contamination by aflatoxin revealed that practice of conditioning of pods to facilitate easy decortication; increased moisture content from 4 to 12% is one of the important factors contributing to enhanced population of A. flavus and associated contamination by aflatoxin in groundnut.
• Imidacloprid @5 g/kg seed proved best in minimising the population of jassids and thrips as compared to untreated control. However, highest yield of groundnut pod (1976 kg ha-1) was recorded in treatment with two sprays of monocrotophos followed by seed treatment with imidacloprid 5 g/kg seed (1964 kg ha-1) as compared to control (1494 kg ha-1).
• Among the insecticides tested seed treatment with Thiamethoxam @ 1g/kg seed was found superior in reducing jassid population and seed treatment with Fipronil @ 1ml/kg seed proved best in reducing thrips population. However, the highest yield of groundnut (1180 kg ha-1) was recorded when seed was treated with imidacloprid @2 g/kg seed as compared to control (800 kg ha-1).
• Two sprays (30 and 45 DAS) with 0.008% imidacloprid proved best in reducing jassid and thrips as compared to control. Moreover, the highest pod yield (2032 kg ha-1) was recorded in the same treatment as compared to control (1630 kg ha-1).
• The aphid population was higher during February whereas jassids and thrips population were higher during February and October. The leaf miners and Spodoptera populations were higher during October-November while Helicoverpa population was found below ETL.
• Groundnut + sunflower and groundnut + mung bean intercropping system reduced the jassids population while groundnut + castor reduced the thrips population considerably compared to other intercrops and control. The highest ICBR of 1:2.18 was recorded in groundnut + hybrid cotton followed by 1:2.17 in groundnut + pigeon pea intercropping system.

Social sciences

• In Jamnagar district, it was found that a little more than one third (38%) of the farmers grew GG20 followed by Khedutbhai (18%) and TG 37A about 11%.
• In Kutch district, it was found that in rabi season, a vast majority of the farmers (83%) grew G 2, followed by the varieties Western 44(14%) and J 11 (2%).
• In Jamnagar about half (52%) of the farmers used their own seed and about one-fourth (23%) purchased from the farmers of other villages; where as in Kutch district about three-fourth (77%) of the farmers purchased from the private seed dealers, while 11% purchased from the farmers of other villages. The reasons for the above scenario are that non-availability of quality seed at the time of sowing and high price in the seed market.
• Regarding frequency of seed replacement, every year 29% of farmers in Jamnagar district replaced seed whereas in Kutch it is 77% which was mainly related to loss of kharif produce to insect pests.
• The estimate of growth for the period 1991-2008 revealed that, the area under groundnut crop has been declining in all the major groundnut growing states, whereas, in the emerging states like Rajasthan the area showed an increasing trend.
• The rate of deceleration was highest in Tamil Nadu followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh but in absolute terms highest decline was in Andhra Pradesh.
• The investigation also revealed that besides kharif, the groundnut area under rabi-summer is also The rabi-summer area decline was highest in Andhra Pradesh compared to other major states.
• Even after withdrawal of the TAR-IVLP project, some of the technologies like seed treatment with carbendazim@2 g/kg of seed and groundnut + cotton intercropping technologies are still followed by majority of the farmers.
• The survival rates of these technologies were higher than other technologies introduced under the TAR-IVLP project.
• To increase the survival rates of technologies at farmers’ situations, an institutional mechanism at village level backed by necessary backward linkages (input) even after withdrawal of the project is vital. Considering 1967-68 as the base, the year in which AICORPO came into being, the indices were calculated using the formula, I = (Pi/Q j)*100, where Pi = 1, 2, 3, …n years and Q j = base year. The area was in decreasing trend from 1967-68 onwards while both production and productivity were in increasing trends. The analysis confirmed that area was in fact in decreasing trend but both production and productivity were in increasing trends

2012-2016

Crop Improvement:

• ‘Raj Mungphali 3- A high  yielding (3.0 to 3.5 t/ha) Virginia bunch with large seed (65g/100 kernels) was released for cultivation in NW Plains comprising Rajasthan, UP, and Punjab, developed from segregating materials supplied from ICAR-DGR.

• High oil containing germplasm lines identified as donors: Five high oil (>54%) containing accessions (NRCG 7040, NRCG 6999, NRCG1476, NRCG12328, and NRCG3817) for use in improving oil content over present range of 46-48% in the released cultivars.

• High oleic lines developed: Fifteen genotypes with high oleic acid (up to 80%) and high oil content (52-54%) were developed.

• Pre-breeding: Intensive pre-breeding efforts led to development of elite genotypes: resistant to  stem rot, rust, and LLS (NRCG CS 15 and NRCGCS 74);  Peanut Bud Necrosis, LLS, Alternaria resistance (NRCGCS 186 and NRCGCS 196); One large seeded (>60g) genotype, NRCGCS 281 (INGR16019) was developed and registered.
• Fresh seed dormancy: Two Spanish germplasm lines (NRCG 12431; NRCG 14380) having fresh seed dormancy >30 days were identified for further use in breeding programme.
• Efficient field screening techniques for stem rot diseases developed: An efficient field screening technique was developed to screen genotypes for stem rot resistance.

• Protocol for genetic transformation: Variety specific genetic transformation protocols were standardized for drought- and salinity- tolerance (Dreb, mtlD, bZAT12); coat protein genes for resistance to PSND and PBND; and ‘defensin’ gene for foliar diseases resistance. Promising events (67; Dreb:8; mtlD:4; bZAT12: 12; defension:3; PSND:12; PBND:21; and PSND+PBND: 5) were identified and validated.
• MAB for foliar diseases resistance and high oleic acid: Five genotypes (MAS_HOIL_41, MAS_HOIL_44, MAS_HOIL_52, MAS_HOIL_55, MAS_HOIL_54) with foliar disease resistance (rust, LLS; IPAHM103, SEQ8D9) and high oleic acid (FAD 2A, FAD 2B) were developed and validated through Marker Aided Breeding.
• Breeder Seed: Produced 308 q breeder seed of ICAR-DGR varieties (Girnar 2 and Girnar 3) and popularized them as evident from the current area of about 2.0 lakh ha area under these varieties in India

Crop Protection

• Management of stem rot: Available groundnut cultivars are highly susceptible to stem rot causing up to 40% yield loss. An IPM comprising summer ploughing and soil application of Trichoderma-enriched FYM has been developed for effective management of stem rot resulting into 10% increase in yield.
• Safe storage practices developed: Storage of groundnut pods and kernels with moisture content below 7% in high density polybags of 160 micron significantly reduces stored grain pests and aflatoxin contamination.

Basic Sciences

• ‘NutGrow’: a formulation of DAPG-producing fluorescent pseudomonad (Pseudomonas putida DAPG4) developed for management of soil-borne fungal pathogens like Sclerotium rolfsii and Aspergillus niger and nematode (Melodigyne  icognita) by enabling soil to suppress pathogens.
• ‘NutBoost’: a consortium of PGPR biofertilizers ((P. gessardii BHU1 (PGPR1), P. putidaS1(6) (PGPR2) and P. putida BM6 (PGPR4)) developed for improving soil health (enhances dehydrogenase activity, microbial biomass carbon, etc.) and enhancing mobilization and uptake of nutrients (P, K, Fe, Zn,  etc.) with substantial yield  gain. 
• ‘NutMagic’: a consortium of PGPR, PSB and rhizobia ((PGPR: Pseudomonas gessardii BHU1, Pseudomonas putidaS1(6)); PSB: Enterobacter cloacae BM8; Bacillus polymyxa; and rhizobia: Sinorhizobium americanum NRCG4 and Rhizobium sp. NRCG9)) for improvement of soil health and nutrient mobilization and uptake (P, K, N, Fe, Zn,  etc.) with yield gain up to 18%.
• Endophytes for alleviation of drought and salinity stress: Endophytic bacterium, Bacillus firmus J22, identified for alleviation of drought- and salinity- stress saves 3-4 irrigations and improves yield up to 25% in summer groundnut.
• Technical knowhow for commercial production of enzyme cellulases from groundnut shell and proteases from de-oiled groundnut cake by microbial fermentation were licensed to entrepreneurs.
• Expression and accumulation of high quantity of cinnamic acid was identified as a biomarker for fungal disease resistance in groundnut
• Quality parameters (oil, protein, sugar, antioxidants, and fatty acids) in elite groundnut genotypes for confectionery industries have been identified. 
• For biofortification of groundnut with Zn and Fe, application of 2 kg ha^-1 Zn (50% soil and 50 % foliar of ZnSO₄) and 1 kg ha^-1 Fe (foliar application   of 0.5 % FeSO₄) was recommended.
• Identified iron chlorosis tolerant cultivars (Mallika, RG 510, RG 425, R8808, S230, Kadiri 7, 8, and 9, Tirupati 3, Kadiri gold, TG 42, HNG 69, M 145, M 197, M 522, GJG 22, LGN 2, BG1, DH4-3, ICGV87846) for calcareous and alkaline soils
• Optimized Zn and Fe sources and their methods of application for increasing  Fe and Zn in seeds
• Identified trait specific cultivars (M13 and TG 26 for high sucrose, B 95 and GG20 for high O/L ratio, AK 265 and AK 303 for high oil and low content of flatulence sugars, R8808 and AK 303 for higher antioxidant activity.
• Identified confectionary groundnut cultivar (M13, TG 26, CSMG84-1 and Girnar-3) which possessed high sucrose and protein; and low in oil and RFOs content.

 Crop Production

• The optimum plant population for spring/summer groundnut was found to be 4.0-4.5 lakh plants/ha. Pairing of rows at 15 cm distance with inter-pair space of 45 cm facilitates mechanical inter-cultivation.
• Drip fertigation is advised in Spanish groundnut cultivation in Saurashtra as it saves irrigation water (35%) and fertilizer (25%) and also improves productivity and net return.
• Ridge & furrow (60 cm) system /raised bed system (90 cm) of planting leads to effective drainage of excess water and consequently increases pod yield and net return over flat bed during kharif season. 
• Groundnut-wheat-Sesbania (green manuring) system is advised for higher system productivity (33%) and net returns (7%) over groundnut-wheat in black calcareous soils of Saurashtra.

Social Sciences

• In order to bridge the existing wider yield gaps in groundnut, cultivation of improved varieties viz., K-6, K-9, JL-501 with Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) has potential to increase yield up to 24-36% in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh and Jalgaon district of Maharashtra
• Quality seed and soil moisture conservation techniques significantly contributes to higher productivity of small and marginal farmers of Amreli, a low productivity district of Gujarat. Hence, development of skill on seed production and soil moisture conservation is essential.
• In Saurashtra region of Gujarat, the technical efficiency of groundnut farmers is relatively low in comparison with cotton growers. Hence, to improve efficiency in utilizing the scarce resources and minimize cost of cultivation, the state extension machineries should undertake efficiency development programmes among small and marginal farmers.

2017-2019

• For the first time, two high oleic groundnut varieties Girnar 4 and Girnar 5 (containing more than 78% oleic acid) were developed and identified for central release
• Groundnut germplasm collection comprising 9129 accessions, representing 84 countries, was maintained in the field and also in form of seed (in cold store). A mini-core collection of 167 germplasm accessions representing the entire diversity was constituted.
• A total of 106 accessions under 6 sections vizArachis (54), Caulorhizae (1), Erectoides (7), Heteranthae (7), Procumbentes (6) and Rhizomatosae (40) were maintained in the field gene bank. Seeds of seven amphidiploid derivatives have been field established for further use in crop improvement programme.

• LLS Tolerant germplasm accessions are identified (NRCG 10983, NRCG 14350, NRCG 143 79, NRCG 14386, NRCG 14457, NRCG 14473, NRCG 14485 and NRCG 1449 and AK 12-24, Girnar 1, GJG 17, GJG 31 and LGN 2) for further use.

• Over 8000 germplasm accessions including Bolivian accessions (99) and South American collection (70 accessions) were multiplied and rejuvenated and being characterized for qualitative and quantitative traits.
• Three high yielding advanced breeding line, PBS-12218, PBS-12223 and PBS-12225 (pod yield: 2354 to 3809 kg/ha) were identified for further evaluation.
• Early maturity germplasm accessions NRCG 5203, 2419 4343 4874, and CSMG 2014 were identified which matured between 95 to 105 days. Among the Virginia bunch types, PBS 24134, 24139, 26048, 24135, 25028, 25089, 25049 and 26052 were identified as early maturity (110 to 115 days).
• Breeding lines and accessions identified for moderate tolerance to LLS and ELS: PBS 11085, 11092, NCRG CS 313 and PBS 11073.
• Advanced breeding lines identified for more than 20 days of fresh seed dormancy: PBS14060,14068,16033,16044, 11077, 11092, 15014, 15022, 15027, 15028, 16022, 16023 and 16038.
• Promising varieties identified for both low, high temperature tolerance at Junagadh conditions: ICGV 87846, LGN 1, TAG 24, JGN 3, GJG 9, TG 17, JL 220, ICGV 00350, TG 1, and Narayini.
• Donors identified for confectionery groundnut: Two Valencia accessions NRCG 10969 (44.1% oil; 36.2% protein; 6.99% sugar content) and NRCG 10836 (44.7% oil; 35.5% protein; 6.70% sugar content); two Virginia Runner accessions NRCG 10187 (44.1% oil; 35.6% protein; 8.1% sugar content) and NRCG 10173 (44.1% oil; 35.7% protein; 7.8% sugar content); and two Virginia Bunch accessions NRCG 14569 (44.8% oil; 35.2% protein; 6.3% sugar content) and NRCG 14592 (44.6% oil; 35.6% protein; 6.3% sugar content).
• Donors for high oil content identified: two other Valencia accessions viz. NRCG 14245 (54.9% oil; 23.2% protein; 6.01% sugar content) and NRCG 11049 (52.3% oil; 26.4% protein; 6.180% sugar content); one Spanish bunch accession NRCG 14182 (52.2% oil; 26.4% protein; 5.3% sugar content); two Virginia Runner accessions, NRCG 10201 (51.4% oil; 27.0% protein; 8.6% sugar content) and NRCG 10185 (51.1% oil; 27.3% protein; 8.0% sugar content); and two Virginia Bunch accessions, NRCG 11780 (52.3% oil; 26.2% protein; 8.0% sugar content) and NRCG 14264 (51.8% oil; 26.6% protein; 6.4% sugar content) had high oil with low protein and high sugar content.
• Advanced breeding lines identified for confectionery traits: PBS 19013, PBS 19015, PBS 19018, PBS 29079 B, PBS 29082, PBS 29124, PBS 29167, PBS 29196, PBS 29197, PBS 29212 and PBS 29219.
• A total of six high oleic entries were proposed for AIRCP testing. Besides, developed 64 lines for high oleic acid content derived from the cross GPBD 4 x SunOleic 95R. Few lines has shown more than 80% oleic acid content.
• One QTL identified for rust flanked by marker DGR 329 and IPAHM 103 on LG 1 which showed 6.14 % Phenotypic Variability Explained (PVE). Two QTLs for LLS, one flanked by markers (DGR 662 and DGR 258) and showed 2.65 % PVE, another flanked by markers (DGR 2401 and DGR 308) and showed 2.67 % PVE.
• Developed 91 introgression lines for foliar disease resistance derived from the cross GJG 17 x GPBD 4.
• For the first time, ‘NutMagic’: a formulation of DAPG-producing fluorescent pseudomonads developed for growth stimulation and making soil naturally suppressive to soil-borne fungal pathogens in groundnut was developed
• For the first time Bacillus firmus J22, an endophytic bacterium capable of alleviating drought (reduced yield losses by 25% and salinity (reduced yield losses by 20%) stress in groundnut identified.
• Application of endophytes was found to save 30-40% of irrigation water and reduce the frequency of irrigation (3-4) without significant reduction in yield.
• For the first time CAM-transited groundnut (DGRMB24 and DGRMB32) were developed and are being evaluated for drought tolerance.
• Potential epiphytes for biological control of foliar diseases and Zn-, Fe-, K- and Mn- solubilizing bacteria for mobilization of both macro- and micro-nutrients identified.
• Application of paclobutrazol@100 ppm increased number of flowers and mature pods per plant and significantly increased pod yield as compared to control.
• Application of PSB+75% RDP has significantly improved groundnut dry pod yield (2258 kg/ha) by 136% compared to No P control (955 kg/ha)
• The higher pod yield was recorded under straw mulch (32%) and under polythene mulch (32%) as compared to without mulch (control).
• Groundnut pod and haulm yield was higher under 3:1 ratio while pigeonpea grain and stover yield and GPEY was higher under 2:1 ratio. Groundnut pod and haulm yield was higher when pigeonpea was relay sown 50 DAS while pigeonpea grain and stover yield and GPEY was higher when pigeonpea was relay sown 30 DAS.
• Genotypes identified for bio fortification of Fe and Zn.
• Germplasm accessions were screened for tolerant to iron chlorosis.
• OrganicformulationsDGROF1 and DGROF2 gave maximum inhibition of stem rot.
• Acoruscalamus (vacha, sweet flag) at 20 per cent and sweet flag rhizome powder above 2% was found effective to manage bruchid beetle in storage.
• Management strategies for control ofthe menace of white grubs by spray schedule in community based holistic approach devised.
• Identified suitable management practices for enhanced availability of soil phosphorus
• Packages of practices for integrated nutrient management (INM) developed
• Packages of practices for integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) developed

• Physiological  efficiencies of Indian groundnut cultivars determined

• Good source of resveratrol in groundnut identified: GG7 possess highest resveratrol content (7.13 µg/g) followed by TAG 24 (4.54 µg^-1g) and GG20 (2.93 µg^-1g).
• Dietary intake of 100 gm of groundnut kernels can fulfil 33% of Zn and Fe RDA.
• Pigeonpea grain yield and GPEY was found significantly higher with relay sowing of pigeonpea at 30 days after sowing of groundnut in both the varieties
• Pod yield increased with increasing level of N doses and highest significant yield was found at 35 kg N/ha (2013 kg/ha) and 30 kg/ha (2271 kg/ha) in GG 22 and TG37A respectively.
• Phyllognathusdionysiuswas identified as the major species of whitegrub causing damage to the groundnut during kharif
• The frontier function model on technical efficiency revealed that 24 to 37 per cent of output loses noted among 88 per cent of small and marginal farmers. As far as farm managerial abilities were concerned most them fell in medium categories.

Breeder seed of Girnar 2 (156 q) and Girnar 3 (119 q) were produced