Differential response of groundnut genotypes for iron (Fe) deficiency chlorosis tolerance and productivity traits under Fe-supplemented and Fe-non-supplemented conditions

Groundnut is sensitive to Fe deficiency under alkaline and calcareous soils and exhibits iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) causing significant reduction in growth and yield. Genotypes were assessed for IDC related traits such as visual chlorosis rating, SPAD chlorophyll meter reading, chlorophyll and active iron (Fe²+) content across five growth stages and also for productivity traits viz., plant height, number of primary branches, number of pods per plant, pod yield, shelling per cent, 100 seed weight and haulm yield. Comparison between Fe-supplemented and Fe-non-supplemented condition for IDC related traits showed not much difference among IDC tolerant genotypes across all five growth stages, while significant differences among IDC susceptible genotypes were observed. Maximum reduction in pod yield was observed among IDC susceptible genotypes compared to IDC tolerant and moderately tolerant genotypes. However, recently released variety G 252 with moderate tolerance to IDC and higher yield potential recorded higher pod yield both under Fe applied (1754 kgha⁻¹) and non-applied conditions (1544 kgha⁻¹).