Effect of flower production and time of flowering on pod yield of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L) genotypes

Abstract

Field experiments was conducted to determine the role of flower production and flowering pattern on mature pod yield of three groundnut genotypes, and assess relationships among their yield components. The genotypes were harvested over seven weeks. A split-plot design with four replications was used. Five plants were harvested from a plot. Data taken were; 30 days flower count, weekly flower count, matured pods, number of pegs, days to first and 50% flowering. There was significant difference (P < 0.05) in the flower production pattern among the genotypes from first to fourth week. Number of flowers was positively correlated (r = 0.41, r = 0.68, and r =0.33) with mature pods at second, third and fourth week respectively in 'Kpedevi' at 112 DAS. Moreover, number of flowers correlated positively at second (r = 0.16) and third (r = 0.21) week in 'Chinese' at 98 DAS. 'F-Mix' at 105 DAS showed a negative correlation with mature pod in all the weekly flower count. The maximum number of flowers produced was an indicator of higher number of mature pods in both the 'Chinese' and 'Kpedevi' variety. However, this was contrary with 'F-Mix' variety since flower count correlated negatively at all weeks with matured pods at 105 DAS.