Genotypic characteristics of groundnut for nitrogen-use efficiency based on Specific Leaf Nitrogen in Ghana
2025
Oppong-Sekyere, D. | Aduguba, O.W. | Mahama , S. | Essel , J.H.
Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important legume crop in Ghana, where its productivity is often constrained by suboptimal nitrogen availability. Specific Leaf Nitrogen (SLN), a physiological trait derived from SPAD chlorophyll meter readings, offers a rapid and non-destructive proxy for nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) in crop selection. This study aimed at evaluating the variation in SLN among selected groundnut genotypes in Ghana, with a strategy to identify high-performing and nitrogen-efficient lines that could be prioritised in future breeding programmes. A field experiment was conducted across two cropping seasons, at the Department of Ecological Agriculture, Bolgatanga Technical University, in Ghana. Results indicated significant genotypic variation in SPAD-derived SLN values, pod number, and seed yield. A moderate, statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.497, P < 0.05) was observed between SLN and pod number; while pod yield and seed weight were strongly correlated (r = 0.603, P < 0.01). Plant height, however, did not significantly correlate with SLN (r = 0.219, P > 0.05), indicating that it is not a good predictor of NUE. High SLN values and superior yield traits were recorded by genotypes like Agric Bola and Sumnut-22; indicating their potential as donor parents in NUE-targeted breeding. In conclusion, SLN as determined by SPAD readings is a useful physiological marker for determining the nitrogen efficiency of groundnut genotypes.
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