The effects of planting methods on growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) cultivar natal common in Africa South of the Sahara

Abstract, International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research, 2018

The most appropriate planting method to use for optimum growth and yield of groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea) in Africa South of the Sahara (ASS) among those currently used is not known, as the methods are highly influenced by environmental conditions in specific regions. Investigations of the effects of planting methods on growth and yield of a groundnut cultivar (cv.) (NTC), under rainfed conditions were carried out. Treatments used were planting on flat ground (FG), earthing up after planting on flat ground (EFG) and planting on ridges (R). Flat ground was considered as the standard (control). The parameters measured for growth were plant height, stem width and number of leaves, while those for yield were grain yield, pod yield and number of pods plant-1. Results showed that the planting methods used significantly (P<0.001) increased number of leaves plant-1 of NTC. All treatment means were significantly (P<0.05) different, and R had the greatest mean number of leaves. Treatments did not significantly (P= 0.533) increase grain yield; only the R mean grain yield was significantly (P<0.05) greater, compared to the other two methods. Panting on ridges (R), followed by EFG, had higher number of leaves, number of pods plant-1 and increased grain yield, which, thus outweighing FT. Increase in the number of leaves, which are important for growth, and pod yield plant-1 , are thought to be responsible for the ultimate increase grain yield. It is recommended that groundnuts should be planted on R in SSA in order to cherish the highest production benefits of NTC groundnut.