Physiology of the Peanut Plant

Peanut is an important crop in the semi-arid regions of the world. Both, irrigation and well water can provide the water necessary for it. It is a nutritious seed nut crop and has manyfold uses. As such, research on this crop is imperative.

This book reviews physiological aspects, keeping in mind the changing agroclimatic conditions. Growth, development and yield are described on the basis of cellular and morphological manifestations. Being a C3 plant, the photosynthesis and respiration in peanuts is critically viewed specially under varying environment conditions and genotypes. The study of nitrogen assimilation and biological nitrogen fixation have been presented in light of the prevalent environmental and gene effects. The role of plant growth regulators in peanuts is elaborated on, stating up-to-date mode of actions. Special emphasis has been given to mechanisms of abiotic stress effects. The chapters (13) are arranged on the basis of physiology, cellular structure, biochemistry, molecular and genomics concepts.

P. Basuchaudhuri obtained his MSc (Ag) degree in 1972 from Calcutta University, India with a first class and was awarded a gold and a silver medal. He obtained his PhD degree from the same university in 1977. He joined the faculty of Calcutta University in 1975 as a plant physiologist and worked there until 1984. In 1980 he was awarded the Premchand Roychand Scholarship. He later became a senior scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). He has five books to his credit and has published 60 papers in reputed journals. He has 40 years of teaching and research experience.