PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN LEGUME CROP ARACHIS HYPOGAEA

Abstract

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important legume crop valued for its high oil (43–55%) and protein (25–28%) content, serving as a major source of income and nutrition for farmers in tropical and subtropical regions. Although moderately drought-tolerant, its yield is highly affected by irregular rainfall and water scarcity. This study investigates the physiological responses of groundnut under varying levels of drought stress during different growth stages. Key drought-adaptive traits such as dehydration avoidance, stomatal regulation, root system efficiency, and osmotic adjustment were analyzed to understand their contribution to yield stability under stress conditions. Results indicate that integrated physiological traits play a crucial role in enhancing drought tolerance and sustaining productivity. Strategies such as crop duration adjustment, soil moisture conservation, and nutrient optimization showed promising potential for improving recovery after drought. The findings suggest that targeted physiological approaches combined with agronomic management can significantly enhance the drought resilience of groundnut, ensuring stable yields in arid and semi-arid environments.