Recovery strategy following the imposition of episodic soil moisture deficit in stands of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Peanut stands often face water deficits in the tropics and subtropics, especially in drought-prone areas of India. The effect of drought on peanut production has previously been studied. However, there is a lack of information on the post-stress recovery mechanism. The objective of this study was to investigate the recovery mechanism after relief of water stress. The effect of short-term drought applied (for 12 days) at the pre-flowering, peak flowering and pod-filling stages on chlorophyll (Chl) pigments, water use efficiency (Wue), quantum yield (Qy), root/shoot ratio (R:S), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) and flower production during stress and subsequent post-stress recovery was examined. The leaf water potential (ψleaf) and leaf relative water content (RWC) in plants subjected to water deficit were reduced to 1/10 and 2/3, respectively, of the corresponding control values. Moisture deficit significantly reduced Chl a and b concentrations, the Chl a/b ratio, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, Wue and Qy. However, a strong recovery of these traits was noted after rewatering, which led to onset of fresh growth on post-stress, with a marked increase in RGR and NAR and a flush of flowering. Drought significantly enhanced R:S, which accelerated post-stress recovery. Peanut stands exhibited excellent ecophysiological recovery with the post-stress onset of fresh growth. This strong recovery mechanism found in peanut stands suggests that peanut has high environmental plasticity.