Abstract:
Peanut is one of the major economical legume and oilseed crop in Pakistan. It is of widely
used in crop rotation and intercropping systems due to its ability to develop symbiotic
association with soil bacteria for BNF. However, the impact of drought on disease, nutrition,
and yield loss poses significant challenges for the peanut industry. With the world's
population on the rise, water scarcity is becoming an increasing concern for agricultural
activities. Exploring novel drought control methods is essential to sustain peanut production.
This study explores the significant effect of use of cotton straw biochar and PGPR (Plant
Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria)-based biofertilizers as a potential remedy for drought
tolerance. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design in a
greenhouse setting, evaluating the performance of two variable ratios of biochar in
combination with PGPRs in peanut. The primary objectives were to assess whether cotton
straw biochar and PGPR-based biofertilizer could improve drought tolerance in peanuts while
maintaining normal growth pattern. The results of this study showed that the combination of
cotton straw biochar and PGPR-based biofertilizer significantly enhanced drought tolerance in
peanuts. Morphological traits were observed to be significantly enhanced in the presence of
Biochar and PGPR application under drought stress. Biochemical profile of plants treated
with biochar also showed lower levels of ROS accumulation in leaf tissues when drought was
induced. Metabolic profile of root exudates showed significant changes in signaling
molecules involved in nodulation and BNF process. To further exploit the potential benefits
of this approach, future research should focus on molecular mechanisms involved in
modulating nodulation process in peanut under drought stress for enhancement of plant
growth as well as soil nutrient.
