India: New high oleic acid groundnut variety with high yield potential released in Gujarat

The collaborative work between Junagadh Agricultural University (JAU) and ICRISAT has led to the development of a Spanish bunch groundnut variety suitable for Kharif (rainy season) cultivation in Gujarat. This variety, named GG 39 (ICGV 16697), was released in March 2023 by the State Variety Release Committee of Gujarat. The new variety with a maturity period of 113 days was developed using marker-assisted selection (MAS) at ICRISAT and underwent extensive testing from 2017 to 2021 before its release for cultivation. Economic attributes from over 23 testing trials of the new line compared to local checks showed that it has higher kernel yield, higher oil, oleic acid, and shelling percentage. The variety exhibits several desirable traits, including high yield potential and high oleic acid content. The kernels are rose-colored, uniform in size, and spindle-shaped. In terms of disease resistance, stem rot disease was lower, while leaf spot, rust, and collar rot diseases were on par ...