Assessment of Different Irrigation Levels on Peanut Crop Yield and Quality Components under Mediterranean Conditions

Abstract

AbstractThis study was carried out to determine the effect of regular deficit drip irrigation strategies on growth, yield, and yield components, as well as water use efficiency (WUE) under Mediterranean conditions. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea cv. NC-7) crops were grown in the seasons of 2013 and 2014. Irrigation water applications were 0 (I0), 25% (I25), 50% (I50), 75% (I75), 100% (I100), and 125% (I125) based on cumulative evaporation (Epan) measured in a Class A pan. Different irrigation levels applied have statistically significant effects on yield components such as plant height, primary branch length and number, dry shoot and root weight, number of pods, and 100-seed weight. In both years, water stress significantly decreased linoleic acid, protein, and oil content, although it increased oleic acid. The I100 irrigation treatment produced the highest protein value (32.5% in 2013 and 32.7% in 2014), whereas I0 yielded the lowest values (24.6% in 2013 and 25.9% in 2014). The maximum seed yield was obtained...