Peanut Response to Prohexadione Calcium in Three Seeding Rate–Row Pattern Planting Systems

Abstract

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in the USA is generally grown in single rows spaced 91 to 102 cm apart. Research suggests that pod yield can be increased by growing peanut in twin rows (18–23 cm spacing) on beds spaced 91 to 102 cm apart. Prohexadione Ca (Ca salt of 3,5‐dioxo‐4‐propionylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid) increases row visibility and in some instances increases pod yield and improves market grade factors. Research was conducted to determine response of peanut grown in three seeding rate–row pattern planting systems (single rows at a seeding rate of 120 kg ha−1 or twin rows spaced 18 cm apart on beds spaced 91 cm apart at seeding rates of 145 and 190 kg ha−1) to prohexadione Ca applied at 50% row closure. Row visibility increased and main stem height was shorter at the end of the season when prohexadione Ca was applied in most environments and for most seeding rate–row pattern combinations when compared with nontreated peanut. Pod yield and gross economic value increased 160 kg ha−1 and $96 ha−1, respectively, when prohexadione Ca was applied irrespective of the seeding rate–row pattern combination or environment. Prohexadione Ca also increased the percentage of extra large kernels (% ELK) but did not affect percentages of sound mature kernels (SMK), other kernels (OK), sound splits (SS), or total sound mature kernels (TSMK). Seeding rate–row pattern combination affected pod yield, market grade, and gross economic value although a consistent trend was not apparent.