Abstract
High temperature is a major problem in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) producing areas of arid and semi-arid tropics whether rainfed or irrigated. Knowledge of the maximum air temperature that plants can tolerate will help in selecting genotypes adapted to high temperature. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the growth, development, yield and yield components of different groundnut genotypes grown under elevated temperatures. Five groundnut cultivars and lines were grown in the field from 1984 to 1986 in Vertisols. Measurements on flowering, growth and development were carried out frequently. Thermal units required for groundnut cultivars to reach maturity were 2247 °C days. Larger kernel size, higher pod:total growth ratio and longer pod-filling period were the most important parameters for yield increase in heat-stressed environments. Early Bunch gave a stable yield across environments and was found to be more tolerant of high temperature. Cultivars differed in their pod:total growth ratio and Early Bunch had the highest ratio.
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