Influence of Six Plant Growth Regulators on Spanish Peanuts1

Abstract

AbstractPlant growth regulators show considerable promise for use in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L. ‘Comet’). However, new materials need to be evaluated. The influence of soil moisture on peanut response to SADH (succinic acid, 2,2‐dimethyl hydrazide) was examined in a growth chamber. Effects of SADH, PP 528 (ethyl 5‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazol‐2‐y‐lacetate), FMC 28979 (2‐chloro‐3‐(3‐chloro‐2‐methylphenyl)propionitrile), mefluidide (N‐[2,4‐dimethyl‐5‐[(trifluoromethyl) sulfonyl]‐amino]‐phenylacetamide). TIBA (2,3,5‐triiodobenzoic acid) and TD 6817 (chemistry not released) were also evaluated in the field. SADH reduced plant size of peanuts grown under the wet regimes but not under dry conditions. Average peanut leaf area was not affected by SADH. However, SADH did increase the root weight in both wet and dry conditions in the growth chamber. Peanut yields were not increased by SADH in any of the 3 years in the field. No plant growth regulators used at any rate at any growth stage significantly increased peanut yield. The reduction of plant size by SADH might be significant to irrigated peanuts or in high rainfall areas where rotting of peanut vines may take place.