Evaluation of Salt‐Tolerant Guar ( <scp> <i>Cyamopsis tetragonoloba</i> </scp> L.) Genotypes Based on Physiological, Biochemical, and Yield‐Related Traits

ABSTRACT The 15 guar genotypes were exposed to different concentrations of salt (0, 10, and 15 dS m −1 NaCl) in a factorial experiment (RCBD, r = 3) and different morpho‐physiological, physiological, growth, and yield characteristics were assessed. The lowest seed gum (21.11%), carbohydrate (23.59%), protein content (24.20%), fat (2.21%), fiber (9.38%), digestible dry matter (37.90%), and yield (3865.50 kg/ha) were measured in plants treated with 15 dS/m salt; also, the highest ash content (5.08%), proline (82.88 μg/g FW), flavonoids (0.35%), phenols (2.37%), tannins (3.27%), and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD 104.28, CAT 30.92, APX 74.80, and POD 40.20 units/mg protein) were observed in plants treated with 15 dS/m salt. Yield‐related traits also differed significantly among genotypes ( p ≤ 0.05). The highest plant yield (8124.31 kg) was gained from RGC‐986 genotype under control conditions (0 dS/m). Furthermore, RGC‐986 demonstrated the highest 1000‐seed weight (48.22 g), number of seeds per plant (395.6), and overall average plant yield of 6458.9 kg/ha under three salinity levels, indicating strong genetic potential for commercial cultivation. S6673 and S6260 followed with plant yields of 5632.7 kg/ha and 5829.2 kg/ha, respectively. Pishen recorded the lowest values for all yield‐related parameters, including 1000‐seed weight (32.22 g), seeds per plant (152.7), and yield (4565.8 kg/ha). In terms of seed quality, the genotypes RGC‐986, S‐5885, S‐6581, Saravan, and RGC‐1031 demonstrated better resilience to salt stress, maintaining seed quality traits, while genotypes BR‐99, S‐6560, and Grembite were more sensitive, exhibiting marked declines across these parameters. Overall, the RGC‐986 genotype was the Top‐Performing Genotype (excellence) with high biochemical performance, lowest tannin, and yield superiority. The PCA confirmed the results of the Duncan test and highlighted the superiority of RGC‐986 as an elite genotype under experimental conditions.