Water deficit stress enhances the bioactive compounds of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) kernels at the expense of primary metabolites

Water deficit stress and pod developing stages affect the biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites thereby altering nutritional composition of groundnut kernels. Two groundnut genotypes (GJG-22 and TG-37 A) were grown under normal and water-deficit conditions in the field. Biochemical traits of the genotypes were measured at three pod-developing stages (90, 105, and 120 days after sowing). The results showed that groundnut kernels’ oil percentage increased with maturity with a significant decrease in sugars and protein content in the control set (P