Screening of Thermotolerant Groundnut Genotypes at Seedling Stage Using Tir Technique

Here we report a novel temperature induction response (TIR) technique was standardized for groundnut crop. We have standardized the sub lethal i.e. challenging temperatures 38–54°C (for 5 hours) and lethal temperatures as 57°C (for 2 hours). Using this standardized TIR protocol, highly thermotolerant groundnut genotypes were screened from 80 groundnut germplasm. Among the genotypes, K-9, TCGS-1043, K-1801 and showed highest thermotolerance in terms of 100 per cent seedlings survival and no reduction in root and shoot growth. K1609, K1660, K1662 and K1631 also showed higher thermotolerance in terms of 90% seedlings survival and no reduction in root and shoot growth. These genotypes have intrinsic heat tolerance and they can be explored as donor source in breeding programme aimed for global warming.