Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) growth and yield responses to seed irradiation and mineral fertilization

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in seasons 2009 and 2010 to investigate the effect of low gamma irradiation doses and different mineral fertilization levels on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) vegetative growth and yield. Irradiation doses used in this trial were control, 10, 20 and 30 Gy, nitrogen levels investigated were 30 and 60 Kg N/ fad., and phosphorus and potassium levels investigated were 15.5 P2O5 + 24 K2O, 15.5 P2O5 + 48 K2O, 31.0 P2O5 + 24 K2O and 31.0 P2O5 + 48 K2O Kg N/ fad. Results reveal that all radiation doses enhanced vegetative growth and yield parameters. Moreover, mineral fertilization significantly affected plant height, leaf area, leaf area index and shelling percentage, number of pods and seeds, seed oil and protein %. All recorded traits improved significantly with increasing fertilization levels.