Evaluation of Seeding Rate and Cultivar Effects on Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Seeded in 76-cm Row Spacing

Abstract

ABSTRACT Standard row spacing for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Georgia is 91-cm in a single-row pattern. Narrower row spacings are often used in crops grown in rotation with peanut. Therefore, converting peanut to narrower row spacing may be easier and beneficial to some growers if cultivars and seeding rates can be identified that can be grown in narrow rows without a reduction in yield and grade. Based on current University of Georgia recommendations, peanut is typically planted at 19 seed/m with a 91-cm row spacing. Using narrower row spacing and constant seeding rates, increased seed costs would be observed. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the influence of cultivars and seeding rate in peanut planted in 76-cm single rows on yield, grade, and tomato spotted wilt virus (tospovirus) (TSWV) incidence. Experiments were conducted in 2008, 2010, and 2014 in Tifton, GA and in 2014 at Camilla, GA. Treatments were comprised of three cultivars (varying each year) and three seeding rates (14, 17, and 19 seed/m). Results indicate that pod yield, grade, and TSWV incidence were not affected by seeding rate. Seeding rate significantly influenced plant density where 14, 17, and 19 seed/m seeding rates resulted in 12.1, 13.2, and 13.8 peanut plants/m, respectively equating to a 9% and subsequent 4% increase in plant density as seeding rate increased. Seeding rate did not affect the rate of canopy closure, but cv. Georgia-12Y and TUFRunner™ ‘511’ had faster canopy closure than Georgia-06G. Peanut grade (total sound mature kernels) was not influenced by seeding rate, but did differ between cultivars. From these results, it can be concluded that 76-cm single-row can provide adequate yield and grade across multiple seeding rates. In addition, this study confirms that cultivar selection is the primary means for reducing TSWV incidence and altering grade in 76-cm peanut production.