Vermicompost enhances saline tolerance in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Peanut is an oilseed legume plant with multi-purpose uses that contains many bioactive components, including polyphenols, phenolics, and flavonoids. It is one of the main foodstuffs, both in meeting protein deficiencies and in meeting high energy needs. This study investigated the effects of vermicompost fertilizer application on chlorophyll content and yield parameters of peanuts grown under saline stress in climate room conditions. Root weight, root length, stem weight, stem length, leaf weight, leaf number, and chlorophyll content values were determined in the first developmental period of the plant in the experiment, which was established with three replications according to the randomized plots experimental design. As a result of the study, statistical differences were determined between control and vermicompost treatments under high saline stress conditions (300 mM). The results obtained from the vermicompost treatment, especially in stem and root weights, prove this treatment's usefulness. The principal component analysis (PCA) clustered all parameters according to applications. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships, especially for vermicompost treatment. It is thought that the information obtained from the experimental results will be helpful to entrepreneurs investigating the saline stress resistance of peanuts.