Abstract
Classification of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) based on pod mesocarp color has become a popular means of estimating maturity of runner peanuts. This study was initiated to determine if the hull mesocarp color is related to seed maturity of virginia-type peanuts and to evaluate changes in quality as seed mature. Cultivars NC 7 and NC 9 peanuts were harvested by hand in 1990, 1991, and 1992. Pods were separated according to mesocarp color. Seed moisture content and dry weight within a maturity class varied with cultivar and production year. Germination of NC 7 seed grown in 1990 and 1992 increased as seed approached maturity. Immature NC 9 seed grown in 1991 and 1992 had substantially lower germination than seed from mature pods. There was no increase in germination during maturation of NC 7 seed harvested in 1991 or NC 9 from 1990. Seed leakage during imbibition, measured by electrical conductivity, decreased as seed matured. The lowest leakage levels occurred when seed had reached physiological maturity. Germination following accelerated aging (AA) increased as seed matured. Maximum AA germination of NC 7 occurred when seed had reached 77, 84, and 100% of their final dry weight in 1990, 1991, and 1992, respectively. NC 9 seed achieved maximum germination following AA after the seed amassed at least 90% of their final dry weight.
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Keywords: Germination, vigor, maturity
How to Cite:
Spears, J. & Sullivan, G., (1995) “Relationship of Hull Mesocarp Color to Seed Germination and Vigor in Large-Seeded Virginia-Type Peanuts”, Peanut Science 22(1), p.22-26. doi: https://doi.org/10.3146/pnut.22.1.0005