Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Diverse Peanut Genotypes under Drought Stress and Recovery at the Seedling Stage

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oilseed, cash crop grown worldwide mainly in a tropical and subtropical climate. Drought stress (DS) is one of the serious abiotic stresses that alter the morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular responses of plants and causes huge production loss across the globe. The aim of this study, to investigate the twenty widely grown Korean genotypes at the seedling stage under the control and drought stress conditions, to identify tolerant lines as well as related traits. In addition, the influence of DS and rehydration or recovery after stress on peanut genotypes was also studied. Initial screening showed that given genotypes had a differential response to DS, demonstrating a wide range of variation in tested peanut genotypes during the seedling stage towards the DS. Further, based on investigation of the different growth attributes and biochemical assessment six genotypes (Palkwang, Milkwang, and Daekwang) and (Daekwang, Haeol, and Heukhwaseang) were observed as drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive lines respectively. The findings of this study will aid in the selection of peanut genotypes in future breeding efforts aimed at improving drought tolerance and minimizing peanut production loss.