Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate whether some
root characters and physiological characters are related to drought resistance
in some elite germplasm lines earlier identified as drought resistant
based on pod yield. Four peanut genotypes were tested in a pot experiment
under two soil moisture levels [Field Capacity (FC) and 1/3 available
water (1/3 AW)]. A 2x4 factorial experiment was laid out in RCBD with
six replications. Data were recorded for Relative Water Content (RWC),
Specific Leaf Area (SLA), SPAD Chlorophyll Meter Reading (SCMR), root
and biomass at 70 days after planting. Root characters, biomass production,
pod yield and Harvest Index (HI) were recorded at harvest and Drought
Tolerance Index (DTI) for these traits were also calculated. Differences
between water treatments were also significant for RWC, SLA, Root Dry
Weight (RDW) and biomass but not significant for SCMR, harvest index and
pod yield. Drought stress reduced RWC, SLA, RDW and biomass but had no
significant effect on SCMR, harvest index and pod yield. Significant differences
among peanut genotypes were found for SLA at both water treatments. ICGV
98353 had the lowest SLA at both water treatments. Peanut genotypes were
significantly different for RDW and RWC at 1/3 AW only. KK 4 had the highest
RDW. ICGV 98324 performed best for RWC and it also had the highest DTI
for RWC. ICGV 98324 also had the highest SCMR, which was significantly
different among peanut genotypes at FC.
M. Painawadee, S. Jogloy, T. Kesmala, C. Akkasaeng and A. Patanothai, 2009. Identification of Traits Related to Drought Resistance in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 8: 120-128.
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