Cultivation of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)
- Botanical Name: Arachis hypogaea
- Common Names: Groundnut, Peanut, Monkey nut, Earthnut, Mungfalli
- Family: Leguminaceae (Papilionaceae)
- Origin: Brazil
- Germination Type: Hypogeal
- Pollination: Self-pollinated
- Plant Type: C3, Short-day plant
- Fruit Type: Lomentum (Modified fruit)
- Fruit: Nut
- Shelling Percentage: 70%
- Composition: 45% oil, 26% protein
Groundnut is a legume that belongs to the family Leguminaceae. It is widely cultivated for its edible seeds, which are rich in oil and protein. The fruit is a modified pod known as a lomentum and contains a nut. Groundnut is a self-pollinated plant and has hypogeal germination, meaning the cotyledons remain below ground during germination.
Classification of Groundnut
Groundnut varieties are generally classified into two types:
- Bunch Type (Erect Type): Botanical Variety: Arachis hypogaea variety fastigiata Characteristics: Upright growth, less spread.
- Spreading Type (Trailing Type): Botanical Variety: Arachis hypogaea variety procumbens Characteristics: Spreading growth, higher yield potential.
Area and Distribution
- In India: The major producing states are Gujarat (which contributes around 40% of India’s groundnut production), followed by Andhra Pradesh.
- In the World: Major producers include China and India.
Soil Requirements and Varieties
- Soil Type: Sandy loam is ideal for groundnut cultivation as it ensures good drainage and root development.
- Varieties:
- Bunch Type: Jyoti
- Spreading Type: Chandra, RS-1
- Semi Spreading Type: AK-10
Seed Rate and Sowing Depth
- Bunch Type: 80-100 kg/hectare
- Spreading Type: 60-80 kg/hectare
- Depth of Sowing: 5 cm
Fertilizer and Nutrient Management
- Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization: Ammonium sulfate and Single Super Phosphate (SSP) are excellent sources of nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively.
- Gypsum Application: Apply 250 kg/ha of gypsum at the pre-flowering stage to promote pod formation and development.
- Aflatoxin Management: Aflatoxin contamination, caused by the fungus Aspergillus flavus, occurs due to high moisture content during storage. To minimize aflatoxin, groundnut kernels should be stored at 8% moisture content.
- Popping: Calcium deficiency during pod development can lead to empty pods or unfilled grains. Calcium is crucial for proper pod formation.
- NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid): Applied at 40 ppm to enhance floral initiation and pod formation.
Critical Stages for Irrigation
Groundnut requires irrigation at the following critical stages for optimum growth:
- Flowering Stage
- Pegging Stage (Avoid intercultural operations during this stage, which occurs around 55 days after sowing)
- Pod Formation Stage
- Irrigation Method: Check basin method is most suitable for irrigation in groundnut fields.
Weed and Pest Management
- Weeding: Use Star Weeder to control weeds in the field.
- Biological Nitrogen Fixation: Use Rhizobium japonicum for biological nitrogen fixation to enhance soil fertility and support groundnut growth.
Earthing Up and Dormancy
- Earthing Up: Earthing up is done 35-45 days after sowing to promote better plant growth and root development.
- Dormancy:
- Bunch Type: Non-dormant, allowing for continuous germination.
- Spreading Type: Dormant and requires a resting period of 2-2.5 months for germination.
Storage and Moisture Content
- Storage: Groundnuts should be stored at 5% moisture content to maintain quality and prevent fungal infection.
- Aflatoxin: High moisture levels can increase aflatoxin contamination in stored kernels. Therefore, maintaining low moisture content is critical.
Yield
- Bunch Type Yield: 15-20 quintals/hectare
- Spreading Type Yield: 20-30 quintals/hectare
