Evaluation of wild Arachis species for cultivation under semiarid tropics as a fodder crop

Wild Arachis genotypes were analysed for chlorophyll a fluorescence, carbon isotope discrimination (ΔC), specific leaf area (SLA), and SPAD readings. Associations between different traits, i.e. , SLA and SPAD readings ( r =–0.76), SLA and ΔC ( r = 0.42), and ΔC and SPAD readings ( r = 0.30) were established. The ratio of maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (F v /F m ) showed a wider variability under water deficit (WD) than that after irrigation (IR). Genotypes were grouped according to the F v /F m ratio as: efficient, values between 0.80 and 0.85; moderately efficient, the values from 0.79 to 0.75; inefficient, the values < 0.74. Selected Selected genotypes were evaluated also for their green fodder yield: the efficient genotypes ranged between 3.0 and 3.8, the moderately efficient were 2.6 and 2.7, the inefficient genotypes were of 2.3 and 2.5 t ha −1 per year in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Leaf water-relation traits studied in WD and IR showed that the efficient genotypes were superior in maintenance of leaf water-relation traits, especially, under WD. Potential genotypes identified in this study may enhance biomass productivity in the semiarid tropic regions.