Biochemical Characterization of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes for Nutritional and Stress-related Traits

Abstract

Aims: Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a valuable oilseed crop recognized for its significant nutritional and industrial importance. It is crucial to comprehend the biochemical makeup of different groundnut genotypes to identify those with enhanced quality and resilience to stress. This study was carried out to evaluate the genotypes for different nutritional and stress-related traits. Study Design: Randomized Block Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the laboratory of Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, R.V.S.K.V.V., College of Agriculture, Gwalior (M.P.), in kharif 2022. Methodology: Biochemical analyses were performed on 34 genotypes, including 10 parents and 24 F1 hybrids, to assess total sugar, protein, proline, and lipid peroxidation. Total sugar was estimated as per protocol of Dubois et al. (1956), protein content by using Lowry et al. (1951), proline as per Bates et al. (1973) and lipid peroxidation as per Hodges et al. (1999). Results: Hybrids such as TG-87 × KDG-128, Mallika × GPBD-4, and TG-88 × TG-37A showed superior performance for total sugar, protein, and proline content, respectively, while lower lipid peroxidation values were observed in Nithya Haritha, TG-87 × TG-37A, and Mallika × TG-37A, suggesting their relative stability under oxidative stress. Conclusion: The identified groundnut genotypes and hybrids exhibiting superior nutritional and relative stability during stress may serve as valuable material for future quality improvement and stress-resilient breeding programs.