Effect of Bulk Handling on Runner Peanut Seed Quality

Abstract

Tests were conducted to measure the effect of using bulk seed tenders to load peanut seed into planters. Treated seed were transferred using one of two bulk seed tenders, a pneumatic seed tender and a belt seed tender, and their quality compared to conventional bagged seed (control). Information recorded from each transfer of peanut included the mass of seed in each container and the time required to fill the container. Samples obtained during seed transfer were evaluated for mechanical damage and germination. Seed from both bulk tenders and control treatments were planted and field emergence evaluated periodically until 30 days after planting (DAP). Bulk handling increased mechanical damage when compared to the bagged seed. The pneumatic seed tender had the most damaged seed at 2.5%, compared to 1.1% damage by the belt seed tender. The amount of damaged seed was only 0.5% when bagged. Peanut seed loaded by the belt system had an average germination rate of 89% while germination of bagged and pneumatic treatments was 95 and 96%, respectively. Significant differences in emergence due to the seed handling treatment occurred throughout the first 30 DAP. Eleven DAP, field emergence of the bagged and belt conveyer seed was similar at 45% and 47% respectively, but fewer seeds from the pneumatic treatment had emerged (31%). Thirty DAP, field emergence in bagged (76% ) and the belt (75%) treatments were similar, and greater than the 69% that emerged in the pneumatically handled seed. Economic feasibility of investing in a bulk handling system for peanuts depends on several factors including investment cost, operating cost, and cost of tote bags versus labor and paper bag cost used in traditional seed handling. Farmers must have at least 324 ha for savings in labor and time to offset the capital cost of the bulk handling system.