The Inheritance of Pod Pubescence in the Peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) and its Relation to Yield

Pod pubescence in peanuts (Arachis hypogea L.) contributes to pod dirtiness due to soil particles attached to the fruit surface. Pod dirtiness is an undesirable characteristic of peanuts which are marketed unshelled because it reduces their market value. Pod pubescence may affect drying and susceptibility of peanuts to pod and seed disease organisms. On the other hand, pod pubescence may facilitate absorption of water and nutrients through the pods. Studies were conducted to determine the mode of inheritance of pod pubescence and the relation of pod pubescence to yield.