Yield and Germination of Groundnut (Arachis hypogeae L.) Varieties as Influenced by Seed Size

Abstract

This research was aimed at determining the influence of seed size on germination and yield of three varieties of groundnut. The design used for the experiment was Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) involving 3 replicates. Two hundred and seventy seeds were sown per treatment using large, medium and small seeds. Five seedlings selected randomly from each treatment were used to analyze the germination rate/percentage, growth parameters and yield components. The plants from large seed showed higher values of germination percentage (96.67%), shelled seed sizes fresh (257.09%), shelled seed sizes dried (167%), plant (pod and haulm) yield (628%). Statistical analysis (ANOVA) showed significant difference (p<0.05) in the number of branches, number of leaves, number of flowers and plant height. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the weight of shelled seeds (both fresh and dried). Hence, large size seed was found effective for realizing higher yields, increase in groundnut products and monetary benefits to farmers.