Climate Resilience in Groundnut (arachis Hypogaea L.): Effects of Pgpr Seed Priming on Growth, Yield, and Economic Performance Under Heat Stress
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Heat stress significantly constrains groundnut productivity in semi-arid regions, particularly during germination and flowering stages. A field experiment was conducted at the M.S. Swaminathan Vayal Kudam, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Paavai Engineering College, Namakkal, to evaluate the influence of seed priming strategies on growth, yield, and economic performance of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under elevated temperature conditions. The experimental soil was sandy loam in texture, slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 7.6), low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, and high in potassium. The study was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with six treatments and three replications: T1–Control (non-primed seeds), T2–Hydropriming, T3–Bacillus subtilis priming, T4–Pseudomonas fluorescens priming, T5–Consortium of Bacillus subtilis + Pseudomonas fluorescens, and T6–Nutrient priming with 1% potassium nitrate (KNO3). Heat stress conditions prevailed during vegetative and flowering stages, with maximum temperatures ranging from 39–42°C. Results revealed that seed priming significantly enhanced germination percentage, seedling vigor index, plant height, chlorophyll content, and dry matter production compared to the control under heat stress. Among treatments, the microbial consortium (T5) recorded the highest improvement in pod yield (approximately 24% over control), followed by nutrient priming (T6). Economic analysis indicated superior gross returns, net returns, and benefit–cost ratio in PGPR treatments, with T5 achieving the highest B:C ratio, while nutrient priming also showed improved profitability compared to non-primed seeds. The findings demonstrate that microbial and nutrient-based seed priming strategies enhance thermotolerance, stabilize productivity, and improve economic returns, providing a climate-resilient and sustainable approach for groundnut cultivation in heat-prone regions
Source: PLANT ARCHIVES
Authors: Mano. B, Satheswaran N., Praveen Kumar, Deepak V.
Institution: Paavai Engineering College
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7161630907