In 1969, a large number of F₂ lines developed from reciprocal infraspecific crosses between the varieties ‘Argentine’ and ‘Early Runner’ was available for use in the peanut (Arachis hypogaea) breeding program at Tifton, Georgia. These lines were used to make preliminary observations on the possible use of early-generation yield trials in developing superior peanut varieties.

High yielding F₂ lines were tested consecutively in F₃, F₄, F₅ and F₆ yield trials. Lines not out-yielding the parental cultivars were discarded after each test. Lines were placed in F₅ and F₆ Spanish and Runner yield trials on the basis of seed weight/100 seed. Eight commercial checks were used in the F₅ yield trials and five in the F₆ yield trials. Yield and shelling grade data from the F₅ and F₆ yield trials were evaluated statistically.

Nine of the twelve breeding lines in the F₅ yield trials outylelded the parents. Seven yielded more than the highest yielding commercial check. Two of the five breeding lines in the F₆ yield trials did not yield significantly less than the highest yielding commercial check. The remaining three did not yield significantly less than the parental cultivars. Based on these results, early testing in yield trials may be an acceptable breeding procedure for evaluation and selection of peanut varieties.