Submitted to: American Peanut Research and Education Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 1, 2002
Publication Date: December 15, 2002
Citation: Sternitzke, D.A., Davidson Jr, J.I., Lamb, M.C. 2002. Single row yield as a function of plant spacing with implications for increasing yield using two-dimensional planting patterns. American Peanut Research and Education Society Abstracts. Interpretive Summary: not required.
Technical Abstract: Field experiments were conducted at two locations in Terrell County, GA from 1997-99 to determine the impact of plant spacing on pod mass and yield for nonirrigated single row peanuts. Plants within treatments were thinned at random until average plant spacings of 23, 30 38, 48, and 61 cm were attained. Checks were not thinned and averaged 7.9 cm/plant. Pod mass per plant increased with spacing because competition for water, nutrients, and light decreased. In contrast, yield decreased with spacing because pod mass gains were offset by population losses associated with greater spacing. Increased spacing will increase pod mass per plant but not yield because yield is the product of pod mass per plant and population. It is impossible to increase spacing without decreasing single row population. In contrast, it is possible to increase spacing using two-dimensional planting patterns without reducing population. An empirical equation was developed to predict single row yield as a function of plant spacing. Results from the previous experiments fostered a CY 2001 study to quantify the impact of spacing on pod mass and yield for 40 seed/m Georgia Green peanut planted on 1.8 m raised beds using single, twin, and eight-row planting patterns. Eight row pattern yields exceeded twin and single row yields. Canopy closure was more rapid with the eight-row pattern. Rapid closure appeared to reduce weed growth and propagation, soil temperature extremes, soil-water evaporation, and soil erosion. Preliminary results suggest switching to a multi-row, uniform planting pattern will increase yield.