Nutrient accumulation in leaves, silicon dynamics in plants, and yield of different peanut genotypes cultivated in northwestern Paraná, Brazil

Genetic factors, production environment, and crop management practices influence peanut crop performance. This study aimed to evaluate nutrient accumulation in leaves, silicon dynamics within the plant, and the productivity of different peanut genotypes grown in the northwestern region of Paraná, Brazil. The experiment followed a randomized block design with ten peanut genotypes and four replicates, comprising six cultivars (BRS 421 OL, BRS 423 OL, BRS 425 OL, BRS 427 OL, BRS 429 OL, and BRS 440 OL) and four breeding lines (2173 OL, 2717 OL, 3233 OL, and 3386 OL), cultivated under rainfed conditions. Analyses included leaf nutrient accumulation and silicon distribution among plant organs (roots, stems, leaves, pod husks, and grains), as well as yield components. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were compared using the Scott–Knott test at a 5% significance level. Leaf macronutrient accumulation followed the order N > Ca > K > Mg > S > P, while micronutrient accumulation followed Fe > Mn > Zn > B > Cu. Silicon accumulated predominantly in the roots, followed by leaves, stems, pod husks, and grains. Among the genotypes, the cultivars BRS 427 OL (8,084.65 kg ha⁻¹) and BRS 429 OL (8,063.77 kg ha⁻¹) exhibited the highest yields.