Row Pattern and Seeding Rate Effects on Value of Virginia‐Type Peanut¹

Abstract

Abstract The improvement of peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) productivity by genetics or management systems is a continuing process. The effects of cultivars, row patterns, and seeding rates on market value of virginia‐ type peanut were studied in a 2 ✕ 2 ✕ 2 factorial experiment for 4 years at the Tidewater Research and Continuing Education Center in Suffolk, Va. ‘Florigiant’ and ‘Virginia 81 Bunch’ (VA 81B) cultivars were seeded at the rate of 143 516 and 215 274 seed ha −1 in single and double row patterns. Soil types were coarse‐loamy or fine‐loamy, silicious, thermic Aquic Hapludults (Nansemond fine sandy loam, 1977 and 1980, Nansemond loamy fine sand, 1979, and Eunola loamy fine sand, 1978). VA 81B had a higher percentage of extra large kernels, sound mature kernels, total meat, and market value ha −1 than Florigiant. Florigiant produced a higher percentage of fancy size pods; however, no differences were found between cultivars for yield. The single row pattern was higher in percentage of fancy pods and total meat than the double row pattern. Seeding rate did not affect grades, however, the higher seeding rate had significantly higher yield and value ha –1 . The cultivar X row pattern interaction was significant for yield and value. Row pattern did not affect yield and value of Florigiant, while both were higher for VA 81B in the double row system. This study indicated that peanut productivity can be increased by using the cv. VA 81B in the double row pattern, especially if used in combination with the high seeding rate.