Deciphering the Performance of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes in Acidic Soil: Insights from Morphological and Genetic Analysis

Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) is a significant oilseed crop with high market demand in Bangladesh. However, its production is significantly hampered by abiotic stresses, including soil acidity, which is a major constraint in the Greater Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Acidic soils significantly constrain groundnut productivity by limiting nutrient availability and inducing toxicities, particularly of aluminum and manganese. Identifying genotypes with superior adaptation to acidic conditions is critical for sustaining yield and improving crop resilience. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of diverse groundnut genotypes under acidic soil conditions through morphological and genetic analysis. This study evaluated the performance of ten groundnut varieties under acidic soil conditions at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, BARI, Akbarpur, Moulvibazar, Bangladesh, during the Rabi seasons of 2021-22 (Y1) and 2022-23 (Y2). A randomized complete-block design with three replications was employed. The results revealed significant variations among genotypes in their adaptability to acidic conditions, with certain lines exhibiting superior growth performance and yield stability. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant varietal differences in most traits across both years, including in plant height, root length, branches per plant, pods per plant, and yield components. Pearson correlation analysis highlighted strong positive associations between root length and fresh/dry stover yield, as well as pods per plant and pod yield per plant, underscoring their role in enhancing yield potential. Negative correlations were observed between harvest index and dry stover yield, indicating that high biomass production may reduce harvest efficiency. Principal component analysis (PCA) grouped the genotypes based on their yield and yield-related traits, identifying Basanti (DG-2), BARI Chinabadam-6, and BARI Chinabadam-9 as the top-performing varieties across both years. This comprehensive approach not only elucidates the morphological and genetic responses of groundnuts to acidic soil but also serves as a foundation for breeding and developing highly resilient varieties. These improved cultivars will be better equipped to thrive in acid-prone regions, ultimately enhancing productivity and sustainability in such challenging environments in Bangladesh.