Abstract

                                The most promising remedy for iron chlorosis in calcareous soils is geneticvariability in the crop for iron absorption efficiency. A screening techniquecapable of simulating the realistic situation and promoting year-roundscreening for the selection of iron-efficient genotypes is strongly warrantedfrom the point of time and manpower. The present work was aimed toscreen groundnut genotypes for calcareous tolerance, based on morphophysiologicalparameters with 40 groundnut genotypes in solution culture.The genotypes were grown for 21 days in full strength nutrient solution withand without iron (Fe) and 15 mM KHCO3. Chlorophyll content, catalase,peroxidase, NRase activity, active and total Fe concentrations, shoot weight,root weight and root volume per plant were recorded for each genotype on21st day. Cluster analysis of the collected data showed that TAG 24, CO 7,VRI 13113, VRI 16086, VRI 13149, JL 24 and TMV 1 were among the Feefficient genotypes with Fe tolerance index value of 94.6, 94.0, 93.6, 93.0,91.8, 91.4 and 90.5 respectively while TMV 13, AMABC 2017-8, VRI 16075and VRI 16154 (81.3, 80.8, 80.7 and 79.3 respectively) were among themost Fe inefficient genotypes for calcareous soils.

Key words : Arachis hypogaea L.; Chlorosis; Calcareous soil; Solution culture; Morpho-physiological; Fe tolerance index