Effect of temperature stress on seed germination and growth index of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Temperature stress significantly affects seed germination and seedling development by disrupting physiological and biochemical processes in peanuts and chickpeas. Understanding these effects is crucial for improving germination efficiency, optimizing seedling establishment, and developing stress-tolerant crops, which are essential for ensuring agricultural productivity under changing climatic conditions. Therefore, this study, conducted in 2023, examines the germination and seedling development of peanut and chickpea seeds under abiotic stress. Temperature ranges of 5 - 10 - 15 - 20 - 25 - 30 - 35 - 40 - and 45 0C were used. Temperature significantly influenced the germination percentage, germination duration, and seedling development of both crops. The ideal level for peanuts is 25 °C, with a range from 20 to 30 °C. The ideal temperature for the laboratory experiment of chickpeas is 20 Celsius degrees, with a more comprehensive range from 15 to 20 °C. Lower temperatures affect the seedling development rate and germination, while higher temperatures negatively impact germination percentage. This study is unique due to its focus on the crop, its comparison to other research, and the specific levels and types of abiotic stress applied.