Evaluation of Rhizoma Peanut Genotypes for Adaptation in Texas

Abstract

Rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.) is a warm‐season perennial forage legume adapted to the extreme southern USA. The objectives of this study were to compare the establishment rate and overall adaptation of ‘Florigraze’, ‘Arbrook’, PI 262819, and PI 262821 rhizoma peanut in south and north‐central Texas. Two separate field experiments were initiated to evaluate establishment rate and adaptation of rhizoma peanut. In the first experiment, the rate of establishment was documented by measuring shoot appearance in parallel zones equidistant from the original planting. In the second experiment, shoot spread (distance to farthest shoots) was measured 26 mo after planting and dry matter (DM) yield was estimated 1, 2, and 4 yr after planting in south Texas. In 1991, a dry year, PI 262819 had a greater number of total shoots in June and shoots in the zone farthest from the original planting in June and September compared with other genotypes. In 1992, Florigraze, PI 262819, and PI 262821 did not differ from each other in total shoot counts or counts within each zone; however, all were superior to Arbrook. In the second experiment, spread was greatest among genotypes for PI 262821 in south Texas, and for PI 262819 in north‐central Texas. Total DM yield in south Texas was greatest for Arbrook the first season after planting; however, there were no differences in yield between genotypes in subsequent years. Rate of establishment and adaptation of PI 262819 and PI 262821 were equal to or better than Florigraze and Arbrook in both south and north‐central Texas.