Abstract

The effect of varying levels of leaf defoliation on the nodulation and nitrogen fixation of a Virginia and a spanish-type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivar was investigated in the greenhouse. Five leaf defoliation treatments - (a) control (no leaflet removal), (b) 25%, (c) 50%, (d) 75%, and (e) 100% - were carried out every 3 to 5 days throughout the growing period.

All nitrogen fixation measurements were affected by the defoliation (leaflet removal) treatments. Increased leaf defoliation reduced nodule formation and N₂ fixation. The reduction in plant dry weight, nodule number, nodule dry weight, and nitrogenase activity was most severe for the 100% defoliation treatment. Correlation coefficients (r) of N₂ fixation measurements and leaf areas and weights were highly significant.

The defoliation effect was similar in both experiments and cultivars; however, the Virginia type achieved higher values for all N₂ fixation measurements.

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Keywords: Arachis hypogaea, nodulation, defoliation, Leaf area

How to Cite:

Osman, A. & Wynne, J. & Elkan, G. & Schneeweis, T., (1983) “Effect of Leaf Removal on Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in Peanut¹”, Peanut Science 10(2), p.107-110. doi: https://doi.org/10.3146/i0095-3679-10-2-17

Author Notes

¹Paper No. 8861 of the Journal Series of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, Raleigh, NC 27650. This research was partially supported by USDA-SEA-CR grant 801-15-93 under A.I.D. PASA AGTAB 610-9-76.