Abstract
The mineral composition of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed is important to seed germinability, human dietary quality, and may indicate nutrients limiting peanut productivity. Low germinability of peanut seed is frequently a problem for seed producers. Little is known about nutrient effects on seed germination except for Ca. Experiments were conducted on two Aquic Hapludults, one in Southampton Co. and the other in Suffolk, Va. The effects of lime, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, S, or Fe applied to the soil and/or foliage on the elemental composition and germinability of peanut seed were studied.
Average germination varied from 39 to 82% and was highest where 1,120 or 3,360 kg/ha of landplaster (LP) was applied alone. Germination was decreased by application of KCl or K2SO4 at 1,120 kg/ha, or urea or NH4NO3 each at 224 kg/ha of N. Percentage germination was correlated positively with seed Ca and negatively with seed K concentrations. Also, a low but significant negative correlation was obtained between Fe or Cu and seed germinability.
All treatments which contained considerable Ca increased the Ca concentrations in seed, except lime at 2,240 kg/ha. Concentrations of K in the seed were increased by the K treatments only when LP was not applied. Treatments which included foliar-applied Zn or both Zn and Mn decreased seed K or seed Mg levels, respectively. None of the treatments decreased Fe, Cu, P, Mn, or Zn concentrations in seed.
The concentrations of the nutrients in the seed varied relative to the method of application. Fertilization practices which increase Ca uptake by the seed relative to K should enhance peanut seed germinability.
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Keywords: Arachis hypogaea L, Groundnuts, Macro-nutrients, Micronutrients
How to Cite:
Hallock, D., (1980) “Soil Or Foliar Applied Nutrient Effects On Mineral Concentrations And Germinability of Peanut Seed¹”, Peanut Science 7(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.3146/i0095-3679-7-1-12