Screening Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea) Genotypes for Zinc Efficiency-A Design Thinking Approach

Groundnut, recognized as one of the most crucial oilseed crops, is cultivated worldwide. Zinc (Zn) plays a crucial role in groundnut productivity. This study aims to evaluate the varying capacity of different groundnut genotypes in effectively utilizing applied Zn and pinpointing genotypes that exhibit efficiency in zinc utilization. A pot culture experiment was undertaken on a zinc-deficient sandy clay loam soil (with an initial zinc content of 0.92 mg kg
⁻¹
), with the objective of screening twenty different groundnut genotypes for their efficiency in zinc utilization. The study aimed to explore the influence of zinc application on the growth, yield, zinc uptake, and soil zinc status. The zinc treatments comprised two levels (with and without zinc) and were replicated thrice in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The findings revealed a significant improvement in the growth and yield of all groundnut genotypes with the application of zinc sulfate. Mean pod (7.73 g and haulm (9.01 g yields were notably higher with Zn application compared to without Zn. Genotypes exhibited considerable variation in mean kernel yield, ranging from 2.34 g plant
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(CO 2) to 5.34 g plant
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(Abhaya). The kernel yield efficiency index varied from 0.29 (CO 2) to 1.52 (Abhaya). Grouping genotypes based on kernel yield efficiency and kernel uptake efficiency identified CO 5, TMV 13, TAG 24, Dharani, and Abhaya as Zn-efficient and responsive genotypes for Zn- deficient soil. This research contributes valuable insights into improving groundnut productivity under Zn-deficient conditions.