Groundnut agronomyMOST
GROUNDNUT AGRONOMY
Optimum yield is determined by variety and the environment.
Choice of variety: CG7 does well in a wide range of agro-ecologies. Nsinjiro and Chalimbana 2005 are suitable for plateau areas. Early maturing varieties like Kakoma, Baka and Chitala are good for the Lakeshore and Shire Valley.
Source of seed:Research institutions, accredited seed companies and agro-dealers are the best. Test seed for germination so that seed rate can be adjusted accordingly to ensure optimum population is achieved.
Site selection for groundnuts production:Select deep, well-drained loamy-sand, sandy-loam, or sandy-clay-loam soil with moderate organic matter.Avoid fallow and virgin lands as these may not have the appropriate natural rhizobium for effective nodulation. A soil test at a reputable soils laboratory helps determine whether the soil needs soil amendments or not.
Land preparation:Prepare land early enough to sow with the effective early rains in accordance with the chosen groundnut planting pattern: On flat-topped ridges 30cm high spaced 75 cm apart or on flat seed beds.
Dressing groundnuts seed with inoculant and fungicide before planting: Though not readily available, treating groundnut seed with inoculant before planting will enhance biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) that meets the crop’s N requirement for high yield and quality. Fungicide dressing protects the seed and the subsequent seedlings against soil fungi for optimum plant population.
Planting pattern and seed rates:Plant one seed every 10cm for Spanish varieties and 15cm for Virginia varieties in two rows grooved 5-6 cm deep along the ridges. Seed rate is between 50-60 kg/ha for Spanish varieties and 80-100 kg/ha for Virginia varieties.
Fertilizer application: Groundnuts in Malawian soils generally does well without any fertiliser application. If soils are depleted of nutrients, a phosphorus based fertiliser may be applied such as mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP). If farmers can access and afford, Gypsum at about 30% flowering is recommended for good pod development.
Weeding:Ensure field is weed free at 2-6 weeks from planting. Hand weeding may be necessary at pegging. Herbicides like Dual Magnum EC applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions are an alternative weed control technology to manual weeding. Crop rotation and other cultural practices also help in reducing weed intensity.
Disease and pest control in groundnuts:Early and late leaf spot, rust and groundnut rosette diseases as well as termites, aphids, hilda spp, white grabs and leaf miners can be controlled by planting resistant varieties, good cultural practices and use of chemicals where ever necessary.
Groundnut harvesting:A dry period is required at harvesting time.Harvest groundnuts as soon as they are mature to avoid fungal infections and aflatoxin contamination, loss of pods and sprouting. Dry the pods on the plant in windrows or in ‘Mandela cocks’ right in the field for about a week depending on weather conditions. The pods are then plucked off the plants for further drying or storage.
Groundnut storage: Groundnuts are best stored in shells, bagged and stacked on pallets in a dry and well ventilated leak-proof storage room at least half a meter away from the walls. Do not store damaged, shrivelled rotten and fungal infected pods. There should be a gap between stacks to allow free air circulation. Stacks should not be more than 10 bags high.
Shelling groundnut: Groundnuts should be shelled only when they are to be used. Shelled nuts are easily damaged by pests and moulds which predispose them to aflatoxin contamination. Groundnuts are shelled either manually or by time-saving mechanical means.
Recyling for seed: Groundnut seed is open pollinated and if bought certified seed, it can be recycled for another two years after first harvest. Seed loses vigour afterwards.
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