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Authors: P. J. Sexton , J. M. Bennett , K. J. Boote
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) fruit growth is sensitive to surface soil (0-5 cm) conditions due to its subterranean fruiting habit. This study was conducted to determine the effect of soil water content in the pegging zone (0-5 cm) on peanut pod growth rate and development. A pegging-pan-root-tube apparatus was used to separately control soil water content in the pegging and root zone for greenhouse trials. A field study also was conducted using portable rainout shelters to create a soil water deficit. Pod phenology, pod and seed growth rates, and final pod and seed dry weights were determined. In greenhouse studies, dry pegging zone soil delayed pod and seed development. In the field, soil water deficits in the pegging and root zone decreased pod and seed growth rates by approximately 30% and decreased weight per seed from 563 to 428 mg. Pegs initiating growth during drought stress demonstrated an ability to suspend development during the period of soil water deficit and to re-initiate pod development after the drought stress was relieved.
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Keywords: peanut, Arachis hypogaea, drought, pod growth rate, seed growth rate
How to Cite: Sexton, P. , Bennett, J. & Boote, K. (1997) “The Effect of Dry Pegging Zone Soil on Pod Formation of Florunner Peanut¹”, Peanut Science. 24(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.3146/i0095-3679-24-1-6