Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Response to the Ethylene Binding Inhibitor 1-Methylcyclopropene

Abstract

Abstract Senescence and abscission of mature peanut pods is controlled by the ethylene cascade. Reducing senescence and abscission could involve inhibiting the ethylene cascade and allow greater harvest flexibility in peanut. Application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), the ethylene binding inhibitor, may reduce senescence and abscission of mature peanut pods. Research was conducted from 2005 through 2008 in North Carolina to determine the effects of 1-MCP on pod yield and percentages of sound mature kernels (%SMK), sound splits (%SS), total sound mature kernels (%TSMK), other kernels (%OK), extra large kernels (%ELK), fancy pods (%FP), and pod retention. Treatments of 1-MCP were applied at 26 g ai/ha plus a crop oil concentrate at 7, 10, or 14 d prior to digging peanut at the projected optimum digging date. Peanut was dug at the projected optimum digging date or at 7 or 20 d after projected optimum digging date. The cultivars NC-V 11 (2005 and 2007), Phillips (2006 and 2007), and Perry (2008) were evaluated in separate experiments. Pod yield, %SMK, %TSMK, %SS, %OK, %ELK, and %FP were not affected by 1-MCP regardless of application timing when NC-V 11 and Phillips were evaluated. Only %SMK and %TSMK were affected by 1-MCP when applied to the cultivar Perry. Digging date affected pod yield and market grade characteristics. When digging of Phillips and Perry was delayed by 7 or 20 d past the optimum digging date, %SMK and %TSMK increased. Pod retention, determined by comparing the number and mass of pods/plant following digging, was affected by digging date and location but not 1-MCP treatment. These data suggest that 1-MCP will have little activity on peanut pod yield, market grade characteristics, or pod retention.