VARIETAL AND PLANT DENSITY EFFECT ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypagaea L.) IN THE GUINEA SAVANNA ZONE OF GHANA

Abstract

The yield of groundnut (Arachis hvpogaea L.) across Ghana has remained low, partly due to limited knowledge on appropriate spacing and varietal performance. In order to understand these concepts_ the effects of six groundnut varieties (Early: Chinese, Yenyawoso and Samnut 23; late: Azivivi, Manipinta and Samnut 22) and four plant spacings (30 cm x 15 cm, 45 cm x 15 cm, 60 cm x 15 cm and 75 cm x 15 cm) on growth and yield parameters of groundnut were evaluated in the Guinea Savanna Zone where the bulk of groundnut is produced. Split plot design was used. Plant spacing was the main plot factor while variety was the sub-plot factor with 4 replications of each treatment. Data were collected on crop growth and yield parameters. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance where means were separated at probability of 5% using the least significant difference. The results showed that the interaction effect of variety and plant spacing was only significant on plant height and width at the later growth stages of the crops (60 and 75 days after planting). Closer spacing at 30 cm x 15 cm and 45 cm x 15 cm produced taller plants, which translated into higher haulm yield. The highest pod and nut yields were recorded for Manipinta under closer plant spacing (30 cm x 15 cm). The results indicated that planting Manipinta, Samnut 22 and Azivivi at closer (up to 45 cm x 15 cm) spacing would lead to significantly higher grain and haulm (fodder) yields than when planted under wider spacing.