Effects of salinity stress on the germination and growth traits of some selected groundnut (Arachis hypogea) varieties

Abstract

The research on groundnut in Nigeria is still underutilized, due to the fact that, groundnut is still cultivated traditionally or locally by our peasant farmers without full knowledge of the varietal status to salinity. The study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of salinity on the growth parameters of selected groundnut varieties. Ten different groundnut varieties were collected for the
experiment from the Center for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) Bayero University, Kano Nigeria. A 50kg empty cement bag was used, it was filled with 25kg of almost 50-50 sand-loam soil mixed with cow dung manure to fertilize the soil. Four different concentrations of salt-water solutions were prepared and imposed to the groundnut plants in the amount sufficient to saturate the soil at field capacity for
seventeen weeks. Salt-water solution was prepared by using standard method. Results of the effects of different levels of salinity and variety on seed germination, Germination percentage, Days to flowering, Initial Leaf Area, Final Leaf Area and Stem Height of different groundnut varieties were observed with respect to both salinity levels and groundnut varieties on different parameters. The results showed significance (P ≤ 0.05) in all the parameters except for Initial Leaf Area. The study demonstrates that salinity stress significantly delays seed germination, reduces germination percentage, and prolongs the time to flowering. SAMNUT 24, 29 and BAHAUSHIYA with least Days to Germination, Days to Flowering, and highest Final Leaf Area and Stem Height when treated with 9.5 dsm/m² showed
tolerance to salinity. Varietal differences play a crucial role in determining tolerance to salinity, with SAMNUT 24, SAMNUT 29 and BAHAUSHIYA showing the most promise for cultivation in saline conditions and breeding for salt-tolerant varieties.