Groundnut Production Research Articles

Technology Adoption and Output Difference Among Groundnut Farmers in Northern Ghana

Adoption of improved groundnut production technologies is an important avenue for increasing productivity and improving the living standard of farmers. This study seeks to analyze technology adoption and output difference among groundnut farmers in Northern Ghana. The study used primary and cross-sectional data from 250 groundnut farmers. The Probit regression model and t test were used to analyze the objectives of this study. Results of the study reveals that while household size, distance to district capital, farmer-based organization, and access to credit significantly affects adoption of improved groundnut varieties (IGV), only household size and distance to district capital affected the adoption of agrochemical in production. Also, apart from extension and education which affect adoption of mobile phone, factors such as sex, marital status, distance to district capital, household size, farmer-based organization (FBO), and access to credit significantly influenced the adoption of mechanization and mobile phone, respectively. The study revealed that the average output level of adopters of these improved groundnut technologies was relatively higher than non-adopters. The study recommends that projects/programs and policies related to the introduction and dissemination of improved groundnut production technologies in northern Ghana should draw lessons from studies like this to ensure improved technology uptake.

Factors Influencing Adoption of Groundnut Production Technologies Among Women Farmers in Gassol Local Government Area, Taraba State

The various groundnut production technologies considered were pesticides, processing and packaging, tillage, storage, improved seeds, seed treatment, weeding, transportation, spacing and planting date, fertilizer application and harvesting. Constraints include inadequate fund (2.7), followed by high cost of farm inputs (2.6) and inadequate storage facilities (2.6) were found to alter the adoption of groundnut production technologies among women farmers. Government should help link women farmers with improved groundnut production technologies (improved seeds, farm tools and machine, pesticides, and storage facilities) in order to attain a peak groundnut production in the state at large.

Modeling the potential impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies on groundnut production in India

Groundnut is one of the significant sources of oil, food, and fodder in India. It is grown in marginal arid and semi-arid agro-ecosystems with wide yield fluctuations due to spatial variability of rainfall and soil. Climate change, which is predicted to increase the intra- and inter-annual rainfall variability will further constrain the groundnut economy in India besides the global and domestic economic, social and policy changes. Through this study we aim to examine the biophysical and social economic impacts of climate change on groundnut production and prices to provide a comprehensive analysis of how agriculture and the food system will be affected. Using projected climate data for India, we estimated the biophysical impacts of climate change on groundnut during mid-century using representative concentration pathway (RCP 8.5) scenario. We examined the impacts of changes in population and income besides environmental factors on groundnut productivity. This is to highlight the importance of holistic assessment of biophysical and socioeconomic factors to better understand climate change impacts. Modelled projections show that by 2050, climate change under an optimistic scenario will result in −2.3 to 43.2% change in groundnut yields across various regions in India when climate alone was factored in. But the change in groundnut yields ranged from −0.9% to 16.2% when economic (population and income) and market variables (elasticities, trade, etc.) were also considered. Similarly, under pessimistic climate change scenario, the percent change in groundnut yields would be −33.7 to 3.4 with only the climate factored in and −11.2 to 4.3 with the additional economic and market variables included. This indicates the sensitivity of climate change impacts to differences in socioeconomic factors. This study highlights the need to take into account market effects to gain a holistic understanding of how economic and environmental factors impact agricultural food systems and economies.

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization Coat Protein Gene of Tobacco streak virus Causing Peanut Stem Necrosis Disease in Coastal and Rayalaseema Districts of Andhra Pradesh, South-India

Background: Peanut stem necrosis disease (PSND) caused by Tobacco streak virus (TSV) is a major constraint for groundnut production in Andhra Pradesh (A.P.). However, studies on prevalence and spread of the disease confined to only few districts of A.P. with this background current study focused on incidence and spread of the disease in entire state of A.P. Further an isolate of TSV occurring in A.P. characterized on the basis of genetic features by comparing with other TSV isolates originated from different hosts and locations from world.Methods: Roving survey was conducted during kharif 2017-18 in groundnut growing districts of Andhra Pradesh (A.P.) for peanut stem necrosis disease incidence. Groundnut plants showing PSND symptoms were collected and tested with direct antigen coating enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAC-ELISA). Groundnut samples found positive by ELISA once again tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The representative TSV-GN-INDVP groundnut isolate from Prakasham district was maintained on cowpea seedlings by standard sap inoculation method in glasshouse for further molecular characterization. The Phylogenetic tree for coat protein (CP) gene was constructed using aligned sequences with 1000 bootstrap replicates following neighbor-joining phylogeny.Result: Thirty-eight (52.7%) of seventy-two groundnut samples collected from different locations in A.P were given positive reaction to TSV by DAC-ELISA. For the first time, PSND incidence observed in coastal districts (Krishna, Guntur, Sri Pottisriramulu Nellore, Prakasham) of A.P. Maximum PSND incidence recorded from Bathalapalli (22.2%) and the minimum incidence in Mulakalacheruvu (4.1%). The coat protein (CP) gene of TSV-GN-INDVP groundnut isolate was amplified by RT-PCR and it shared maximum per cent nucleotide identity (97.51-98.62%) with TSV isolates from groundnut and other different crops reported in India. All Indian isolates cluster together irrespective of crop and location based on the phylogenetic analysis.

Effect of zinc on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and quality of groundnut: A review

Among the nine oilseed crops, groundnut is an important edible oilseed crop of our country and edible oil economy primarily depends upon groundnut production. Zn deficiency in Indian soils is likely to increase from 49 to 63% by 2025. India is leading in groundnut acreage but behind the China in production due to less productivity. Apart from rain dependent cultivation and mineral nutrition play a vital role in groundnut productivity. Among the nutrients, Zn deficiency cause yield loss to the maximum of 40% in groundnut. The average response of groundnut to zinc fertilization ranged from 210 to 470 kg ha-1. Hence, it is ideal to follow suitable crop improvement and agronomic management strategies to enhance the uptake and availability of Zn in peanut. Keeping in view the above facts, the present review reveals the effect of zinc on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and quality of groundnut.

Response of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes to accelerated ageing treatment

Reduction in germination of crop seeds due to depletion of food reserves and decline in synthetic activity due to ageing has become a serious concern to groundnut growers who need adequate, high quality seeds to sustain groundnut production. Therefore, to stimulate farmers’ interest in groundnut production, an experiment was conducted to evaluate some groundnut varieties for their tolerance to seed ageing stress, with a view to recommending varieties that can be considered for production in tropical countries. Seeds of nine elite groundnut genotypes, sourced from The International Crops Research Institute of Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Kano and three other genotypes sourced from local seed dealer in Ibadan, Nigeria were subjected to seed quality assessments in the seed testing laboratory of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan. The seed lots were subjected to accelerated ageing procedures of 42 °C temperature and 100% relative humidity for 24 hours. Twenty-five seeds of each genotype were drawn from each genotype in three replicates at 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours of ageing. The drawn samples were reassessed to determine their tolerance ability to ageing stress. Percentage germination was transformed using arc-sine before the data on preliminary seed germination and seedling vigour data and seed ageing data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS™ Means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of significance while k-means non-hierarchical clustering analysis was used to group the genotypes based on their response to the ageing. Result showed that seeds of the groundnut genotypes differ in their response to ageing stress factors. Seeds of ‘Samnut-24’, ‘Samnut-25’ and ‘Ex-Dakar’ (R) were found to be more tolerant to ageing stress while ‘Samnut 22’ and ‘Boro White’ were susceptible to ageing stress. Optimum ageing for 24 hours is recommended for testing seeds of groundnut varieties for storage tolerance

Influence of Irrigation Scheduling and Nutrient Application on Water Use, Productivity and Profitability of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Background: Irrigation and proper nutrient management that determines the productivity of the groundnut especially during the critical stages of the crop growth. Methods: The experiments laid out in split plot design comprising of three levels of irrigation scheduling [0.8 IW/CPE ratio (I1), 0.6 IW/CPE ratio (I2) and 0.4 IW/CPE ratio (I3)] in main plots and four nutrient management practices viz., N1- 75% of RDF with 5 t of charred rice husk, N2 - 50% of RDF with 5 t of charred rice husk, N3 - 75% of RDF with 5 t of charred rice husk along with seed treatment of Abuscular mycorrhiza and N4 - 50% of RDF with 5 t of charred rice husk along with seed treatment Arbuscular mycorrhiza in sub plots and replicated thrice. Result: Highest pod yield (2003, 2099 and 2063 kg ha-1 during summer, kharif and rabi 2017, respectively) of groundnut was registered with irrigation scheduling at 0.8 IW/CPE ratio along with 75% of RDF and 5 t of charred rice husk as basal with seed treatment of Arbuscular mycorrhiza. The maximum water use efficiency was also recorded under of the same treatment (4.16, 7.07 and 4.86 kg ha-1 mm-1 during the various seasons respectively). The highest B:C ratio of 2.2, 2.4 and 2.2 was recorded during summer, kharif and rabi 2017, respectively were also registered with same combination irrigation and nutrient management.

Price and non-price decision making factors for groundnut production in Karnataka: An evidence from Nerlove’s supply response approach

The study was conducted with objectives to assess the decision making factors in allocation of area for groundnut production in Karnataka. The secondary data on price and non-price variables were collected from the period 1975-76 to 2015-16. The study concluded that the lagged area, lagged production and lagged yield had exerted significant influence on current year’s area, production and yield of the crop across all the period. The study showed that the co-efficient of non-price factors such as rainfall or irrigation was significant which is more important and complementary to price factors for decision making in allocation of land for groundnut production in the state. The study suggested that, attention should be given to expansion of irrigation facility and developing the suitable HYV in groundnut through suitable policy and programmes in the state which may encourage farmers to achieve stable yields and incomes. The government agenises like SAU; Dept of Agriculture, GOK; Extension units, KOF etc., have to arrange for the buyback of groundnut oilseed with processors or oil millers that could benefit the farmers and in turn farmers will expand the area under oilseeds crops in general and groundnut crop in particular in the state.

Participatory analysis of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping system and production constraints in Burkina Faso

BackgroundGroundnut is one of the major legume crops grown as food and cash crop across the different agroecological zones of Burkina Faso. It is ranked the 2nd important legume crop for household food, nutrition, and income generation for both rural and urban zones, contributing significantly to food supply and economy of the country. Despite its importance and breeding efforts to develop improved varieties, groundnut productivity remains low. Assessing and describing the present groundnut cropping system and production constraints as well as gender dynamics in the main production areas will help in defining the groundnut breeding priorities.MethodsA participatory rural appraisal study was conducted in three groundnut production regions (central-eastern, central-northern, and central-western). In each region, 4 villages were selected with a total of 124 farmers interviewed to collect data on socio-demographics, farming systems, cropping practices, and production constraints. Data analysis was carried out for qualitative and quantitative variables using STATA 14. Analysis of variance was conducted across regions and gender, and also between and within regions. Kendall’s coefficients were determined for qualitative variables across regions for the constraints using the pairwise rank. Pearson’s correlation was carried out to assess the relationship between variables, and the chi-square test was used to assess the difference in farmer preferences.ResultsThe study revealed a cropping system of groundnut in an environment largely affected by climate change and in a subsistence and extensive agriculture. There is a variation in the groundnut cropping system across the regions. Gender plays a key role in the production of the groundnut, and 48.39% of women are engaged in groundnut cropping with less access to land and production resources. A yield gap between men and women was observed with men achieving more yield than women. There was a strong correlation between the use of improved varieties and technical assistance. A strong correlation was observed between farm size and production, and farm size and sex denoting an extensive production. Production constraints, although similar, were perceived and ranked differently between regions. The lack of improved varieties, absence of agricultural credit, lack of production tools, the high price of seeds, the high price of fertilizer, drought, and disease are some of the important constraints affecting groundnut productivity.ConclusionThis study provides a recent view of groundnut cropping, allowing a good understanding of the farmers’ situation. The result will contribute to the refining of breeding priorities and guide further activities in groundnut breeding in Burkina Faso.

INTERCROPPING MAIZE WITH GROUNDNUT IN CHAR LAND

Intercropping is a farming practice involving two or more crop species, or genotypes, growing together and coexisting for a time. On the fringes of modern intensive agriculture, intercropping is important in many subsistence or low-input/resource-limited agricultural systems. Intercropping in order to improve land use efficiency, take advantage of intercropping facilitation and improve economic benefits. Also, linked with the higher yield, the associated higher amount of cereals-legume by-product is preferred for animal feed or human consumption. The objective of this study is to find out the suitable groundnut – maize intercropping system and increase productivity, economic and nutritional development of charland farmers of Bangladesh. In the experiment, intercropping system such as One row of maize in between two normal rows of groundnut, one row of maize (leaf cutting at the age of 115 days) in between two normal rows of groundnut, which was compared with sole maize, Sole maize (leaf cutting at the age of 115 days) and sole groundnut production. Total yields of maize /groundnut intercropping were higher than that of sole maize and groundnut. Maize /groundnut intercropping is the efficient use of light because of complementary use of space between the maize plants and the groundnut plants. Maize /groundnut intercrop gross return and BCR per hectare were found higher than from sole crop system. The total yield of intercropped crops was greater than sole cropping shown by LER>1. The overall advantage of intercropping ranged from 73 to 86%. The highest land equivalent value of 86% was recorded from paired row maize (leaf cutting at the age of 115 days) in between four normal rows of groundnut sowing arrangements indicated a yield advantage of 86% over sole crop.

Factors affecting groundnut market supply in Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Groundnut production is important for consumption, income generation and improves food security of smallholder farmers in Western Oromia. Unlike its importance its production has less concern and it's marketing is challenged by the amount produced. The study aimed to analyze determinants of groundnut market supply in western Oromia region, Ethiopia. In order to do this, both primary and secondary data were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select samples of groundnut producers from the study area. Primary data were collected from randomly select 400 sampled groundnut producers through a semi-structured questionnaire. The multiple linear regression models was used to analyze determinants of groundnut market supply. The results of the model indicated that age, sex, educational level, access to credit services, number of livestock owned, land allocated for groundnut production and distance from the nearest market statistically and significantly affected market supply of the groundnut. Therefore, the study forward that government, non-governmental organization and financial institutions should give attention to grant credit, train farmers to properly utilize their land, develop and strengthening infrastructural service like road to improve groundnut production and sales thereby to increase benefits of farmers from the groundnut production in Western Oromia.

Soil fertility management for groundnut in the lowveld of Mpumalanga and north coastal plain of KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa

Smallholder groundnut production contributes substantially to food security in Mpumalanga Lowveld (MLV) and in Manguzi, the northern coastal plain (NCP) of KwaZulu Natal (KZN), both of which are dominated by infertile structureless sandy soils. A study was conducted to obtain information on the chemical properties of the soils to guide fertilizer management for optimizing groundnut production on these soils. Soil samples were collected from representative sites in MLV and NCP, and analysed for pH, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), phosphorous (P), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) in the peg-zone (0-10 cm depth), root zone (10-40 cm depth) and subsoil (40-60 cm depth). The soils were largely acidic, with pH mostly falling below 5.5. The basic cation concentrations were generally low, and so were Zn and Mn concentrations. Nonetheless, with the exception of P and Mn, the soil concentrations of the other nutrients analysed were within ranges considered adequate for vegetative and reproductive growth of groundnut, though Zn was marginally so. General fertility management recommendations to inform agricultural extension are provided for groundnut production on the sandy soils based on the chemical analyses of the soils.

Mineral Fertilizer Use for Optimal Groundnut Production in the Sudano-Guinean and Sudanian Zones of Benin

This study aims to determine the optimal N, P, K, Mg and Zn rates for groundnut production on Ferric and Plintic Luvisol in the Sudano-Guinean and Sudanian zones of Benin Republic. Two years (2018 and 2019) experiment was carried out in the municipality of Ouessè in the Sudano-Guinean zone and Bembèrèkè in the Sudanian zone. The tested nutrient doses were N (0, 20 and 40 kg⋅ha−1), P (0, 25 and 50 kg⋅ha−1), K (0, 20 and 40 kg⋅ha−1), Mg (0, 15 and 30 kg⋅ha−1) and Zn (0, 4 and 8 kg⋅ha−1). The Box and Behnken rotating design is used to define the N, P, K, Mg and Zn rate combinations leading to 46 combinations. A completely randomized bloc design was setting up considering farmers as replication. In total, four farmers’ fields were selected. A one-way analysis of variance is carried out on yield data, using the linear mixed-effect model. Response surface analyses were used to determine the optimal doses for each N, P, K, Mg and Zn. Nodule production (6.5 times higher than the control), number of gynophores (2.8 times higher than the control) and root length (19.2 ± 0.2 cm) of groundnut plants were significantly (p = 0.0001) improved with nutrient application. The response surface analysis shows that treatments N-P-K-Mg-Zn of 16.01-20.18-6.70-5.65-2.47 (in the Sudano-Guinean zone) and 13.1-25.07-11.47-0-1.82 (in the Sudanian zone) are the optimal rates that have induced optimal yield of 2.1 t⋅ha−1 (i.e. 2.5 times the yield in the farmers’ field) pod yield and the best return on investment per hectare. Nevertheless, for a sustainable groundnut producproduction, treatment 13.1-25.07-11.47-20-1.82 is suggested as regular K input is required for the respect of the fertilization laws.

Weeds and phosphorus management effect on groundnut productivity, oil content and nutrient uptake

The present study was conducted at MPUAT, Udaipur, India, during two consecutive Kharif (rainy season) of 2016 and 2017 to assess the effect of weed management treatments and phosphorus levels on weeds; groundnut growth, yield, quality and probability of groundnut cultivation. A split-plot design was used with six weed management treatments i.e., weedy check, weed free up to 60 days after seeding (DAS), pendimethalin 750 g/ha pre-emergence application (PE), oxyfluorfen 125 g/ha PE, imazethapyr 100 g/ha post-mergence application at 15 DAS (PoE) and quizalofop-ethyl 50 g/ha PoE at 15 DAS as main plots, and five phosphorus levels, viz. 0, 20, 40,60 and 80 kg P/ha as sub-plots with three replications. The lowest density of Cyperus rotundus and Echinochloa colona was recorded with imazethapyr and quizalofop-ethyl, respectively. The lowest density of other narrow-leaved weeds at 30, 60 DAS and harvest was registered with pendimethalin, quizalofop-ethyl and imazethapyr, respectively. Weed free up to 60 DAS was the most effective in managing weeds and increasing groundnut yield. Amongst herbicide treatments, imazethapyr 100 g/ha PoE recorded significantly minimum weed index, weed persistence index, crop resistance index, and the highest values of growth and yield parameters, and N, P and K uptake. Application of 60 kg P/ha has registered significantly the highest plant height, dry matter accumulation, 100 kernels weight and pod yield (1.76 t/ha), biological yield (4.86 t/ha) and also the harvest index (35.83%). Significantly higher protein and oil content were noticed when the crop was fertilized with 40 kg P/ha. The total N, P and K uptake by crop were significantly higher by 87.83, 92.10 and 60.97% over control, respectively with 80 kg P/ha.

Effect of long term integrated nutrient management on groundnut productivity and soil fertility under rainfed semi-arid alfisols of southern India

Effect of long term integrated nutrient management on groundnut productivity and soil fertility under rainfed semi-arid alfisols of southern India

Effect of seed priming on the growth, yield and economics of spring groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under different planting geometries

The present investigation was carried out at Students’ Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, PAU, Ludhiana during spring season 2018 and 2019, respectively to evaluate the suitable seed priming and plant spacing which enhance the growth, yield, quality and productivity of spring groundnut. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three plant spacings viz. 22.5 × 20.0 cm, 30.0 × 15.0 cm and 45.0 × 10.0 cm in main plot and five seed priming treatments i.e. consortium bio fertilizer, cow urine, vermicompost, vermiwash, consortium bio fertilizer + cow urine+ vermi compost+ vermiwash along with control in sub plots with four replications. The spring groundnut under 22.5 × 20 cm plant geometry recorded significantly higher number of pegs, filled pods plant−1, pod yield (47.2 q ha−1), haulm yield(108.9 q ha−1) and biological yield (156.2 q ha−1). Among seed priming treatments, significantly higher pod yield (49.6 q ha−1), haulm yield (110.9 q ha−1)and biological yield (160.6 q ha−1) were reported in consortium bio-fertilizer seed primed spring groundnut. The significantly higher gross returns, net returns and b: C ratio of were reported under 22.5× 20 cm plant geometry and in consortium biofertilizer seed primed treatment.

Use of Statistical Models in Predicting Groundnut Yield in Relation to Weather Parameters

In Tamil Nadu, groundnut is an essentialand major oilseed crop, mainly grown under rainfed conditions. The changes in weather parameters might affect the productivity of groundnut. Hence, crop yield forecasting based on weather parameters is essential for proper planning, decision-making, and buffer stocking policy formulation. As for the data with multicollinearity, penalized regression models i.e.Ridge, Least Absolute Selection and Shrinkage Operator (LASSO) and Elastic Net (ENet), are better alternatives to classical linear regression. The data on weather parameters such as maximum temperature(Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), morning relative humidity (RH I), evening relative humidity (RH II), and rainfall were collected for 29 years from1991-2019. The weather indices approach was used in this study. The collected data were partitioned into training, and testing datasets and the hyperparameters of penalized regression models were tuned using cross-validation. The performance of the models wasevaluated using an adjusted coefficient of determination (R2adj), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), normalized RMSE (nRMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) as the goodness of fit criteria. The results revealed that all the Penalized regression models provide a better fit to data. The SMLR and ENet were found to predict with better accuracy. Hence, these methods can be used for groundnut yield forecasting during Kharif season for the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu.

Improved Groundnut Performance under Natural Field Leaf Spot and Rosette Mosaic Virus Infections in the South Western Agro-Ecological Zone of Uganda

For farmers to satisfy the food, nutrition and income demands on groundnut in the South Western Agro-Ecological Zone (SWAEZ), the accessibility, and adaptability of economically viable and high performing varietal and non-varietal technologies must increase to enhance production. Field experiments to evaluate the agronomic performance of advanced lines of improved nine AGRA red, nine Spanish and six Serenut varieties were concurrently carried out on-station at the Mbarara Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MbaZARDI) in Mbarara District, Uganda. The AGRA red and Spanish groundnut lines showed high levels of rosette mosaic disease (GRD) tolerance in the zone. The short AGRA and Spanish lines were highly resistant to leaf spots, while the tall lines were highly susceptible to leaf spots, and not drought tolerant. The late maturing AGRA lines (SGV 99241 and SGV 99046), yielded better than the early maturing lines (SGV 99065 and SGV 99043). The best performing AGRA lines identified for promotion in the zone were SGV 99241, 99046, 99064, 99048, 99019 and 99032. The most leaf spot-resistant Spanish line was ICGV SM 02501, but lines ICGV SM 01514, ICGV SM 03590, ICGV SM 01515 and ICGV SM 01502 displayed varying levels of resistance during the two seasons of 2015. Spanish lines: ICGV SM 01502, ICGV SM 99568, ICGV SM 01504, ICGV SM 01510, ICGV SM 99555, ICGV SM 01514 and ICGV SM 01515 were suitable for growing in the SWAEZ. Spanish lines that were either highly resistant or resistant to groundnut rosette virus disease (GRD), unfortunately, were either moderately-susceptible or susceptible to the leaf spot diseases. Therefore, the tested Spanish lines were only suitable to environments that are prone to GRD but free of the leaf spot pathogens. AGRA red lines SGV 99241, SGV 99046, SGV 99064, SGV 99048, SGV 99019 and SGV 99032 were the best performing. Of the Serenut varieties evaluated, Serenut 5R was early maturing and rosette mosaic virus tolerant. Apart from Serenut 1; Serenut 2, 3R, 4R, 5R and 6T displayed very high levels of tolerance to rosette mosaic virus disease. The combination of moderate resistance (MR)-resistance (R) and high resistance (HR) in the AGRA red lines and Serenut varieties to leaf spots and rosette mosaic virus, respectively, indicated an effective control measure of the major groundnut disease problems in the zone. The integration of moderate-resistance to high disease resistance, high drought tolerance and high yielding potential in several Serenut, AGRA red and Spanish lines can enhance groundnut production if proper agronomic management practices and timely planting are applied.

Assessment of selected soil chemical properties at different depths and altitudes for groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in Hakim Gara shrub land of Harari Region of eastern Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a huge potential for growing and exporting various low land oilseed crops like niger (noug), linseed, mustard, sesame, groundnut and safflower. Currently the present achievements are very low because of least share of land and input to these crops resulting in low production and productivity. The present study was conducted to assess the suitability of soil chemical properties at different depths and altitudes for production of low land oil seed crop groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) which is the major crop in HakimGara shrub land of Harari Region of eastern Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected along with altitudinal gradients of the land features between 2001 and 2113 meters above sea level at 0-20 cm and 20-40 cmdepths. There were decreasing trend recorded in soil organic matter, soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity and total nitrogen i.e. 5.52 to 12.24, 3.20 to 7.10 %, 35.2 to 50.6 cmol(+)/kg and 0.1 to 0.8 %, respectively. However, slight increase in pH was recorded with increase in soil depth except for soil of upper altitude. Percent total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity and altitude were positively correlated with soil organic carbon. While pH and depth were negatively correlated with soil organic carbon. Thus, soil chemical properties are the most important management interventions that are to be addressed to increase the groundnut production capacity in Hakim Gara shrub land. Therefore, stakeholders should focus on management activities that improve soil chemical properties to boost groundnut production capacity of the soil in this region of Ethiopia.

Resurrecting Nigeria’s groundnut pyramid

This study empirically reviewed the production trend of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) that was once the pride of Nigeria, with the aim to resurrecting the groundnut pyramid in the country. The study used FAO-sourced annual data that spanned throughout 1961 to 2017 and covered production, area, yield of the studied crop and prices of the studied and competing crops. Collected data were subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistics. The empirical evidence showed the production of groundnut to be affected by area risk and uncertainty- climate change consequence. Furthermore, the future trend of the crop cannot guarantee the food security of groundnut in the country as the annual yield contribution to the annual output will not yield desirable change in the annual output level. Therefore, it becomes imperative for policymakers to inject production and developmental finances into the sector as green alternative remains the best option to salvage the economy of the country which is staggering owing to dampening crude oil prices- a major source of revenue earning. Furthermore, groundnut is now a staple food in virtually all households’ diets in the country as it serves as food, oil and condiments, confectionaries, snakes etc., thus a drain on the country foreign reserve owing to the need to strike a balance between demand and supply.