pnut pnut Peanut Science 0095-3679 0095-3679 American Peanut Research and Education Society 10.3146/i0095-3679-3-1-9 Articles Factors Affecting Peanut Peg Attachement Force J. M. Troeger , E. J. Williams , and J. L. Butler 1 Agricultural Engineers, USDA, ARS, Southern Region, Georgia-South Carolina Area, Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Georgia

2Force units in this report are kilogram force (kgf) or gram force (gf).

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 1 1976 1 1976 3 1 37 40 American Peanut Research and Education Society 1976 American Peanut Research and Education Society Abstract

The peg attachement force (p.a.f.) of peanuts was measured using an unbonded strain gage transducer. Dimensions, weight and moisture content (m.c.) of the peanuts and their component parts were also measured.

Results showed that p.a.f. is extremely variable, the coefficient of variation ranging from 20 to 40 percent in individual tests. Spanish varieties had the highest p.a.f. and Runners the lowest. Dividing p.a.f. by the pod projected surface area showed that varieties with highest p.a.f./projected surface area maintained lowest field losses.

P.a.f. increases with increasing m.c. and decreases with increasing maturity. Use of Kylar (succinic acid 2, 2 dimethyl hydrazide) growth regulator did not have significant effect on p.a.f. or on peg diameter.