Effect of Terminal Drought on Arginine Content in Peanut Genotypes with Difference in Levels of Drought Resistance

Drought is a problem for peanut production as drought at any growth stage generally reduces pod yield and alters protein and amino acid compositions in kernels. The aim of work was to examine effects of terminal drought on arginine content in kernels of peanut genotypes with different levels of drought tolerance. Five peanut genotypes were planted under two water treatments, field capacity (FC) and 1/3 available water (1/3 AW). Arginine content, physiological traits and pod yield were recorded at harvest. The results showed that drought increased arginine content in sensitive and resistant genotypes, and the increase in arginine content was highest in sensitive genotype (Tainan 9). The variation in arginine content in peanut depended on peanut genotype rather than the level of drought resistance. No correlation between arginine content and drought-resistance physiological traits and pod yield were not found. These findings indicated that arginine content and resistance to terminal drought in a peanut may be improved simultaneously through selection in a breeding program.