Abstract
Obtaining maximum yield, value, and grade of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) by deciding the correct planting and digging date of various cultivars is a complex management decision. The influence of planting and digging dates on four large-seeded virginia-type cultivars was determined in a non-irrigated field study at the Tidewater Agricultural Experiment Station in Suffolk, Virginia, from 1983 through 1986. Florigiant, NC 7, NC 9, and VA 81B cultivars were planted at four 10-day intervals beginning about 23 April and harvested at five 10-day intervals beginning about 12 September. Significant differences occurred among cultivars and digging dates each year. NC 7 produced the highest yield, value, extra large kernels, and total kernels. Later digging dates produced higher yield, value, total kernels, and extra large kernels in 1983. The same was true in 1984 through digging date four when the yield and value declined for the fifth digging, while grade characteristics remained the same as digging date four. No significant changes in yield or value occurred after the second digging date in 1986 (22 September); however, total kernels and extra large kernels increased through the fourth digging date. Planting date affected yield only in 1983 (under moisture stress conditions) when each 10-day delay in planting after 29 April resulted in reduced yield and value, while in 1984 the earliest planting date of 20 April (under adverse weather conditions) was the lowest in yield and value. Significant digging date × planting date, digging date × cultivar, and planting date × cultivar interactions were obtained. These results indicate that cultivar selection and digging dates are more important than planting dates in normal years. However, since environmental stress conditions cannot be anticipated, early planting dates would seem to be an advantage when soil temperatures and moisture levels are conducive to good germination and seedling growth.
Author notes
1Contribution from the Tidewater Agric. Exp. Stn. and the Dep. of Crop and Soil Environmental Sci., Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA 24061, and USDA-ARS, Suffolk, VA 23437.