SEED

Seed Selection Mixed seed can lower the market value of the crop. Hence, the source from which the seed is obtained is critical. Good quality seeds are pure, with high germination capacity, uniform seed size, colour and weight, besides being free from seed-borne diseases. The seed viability determines the germination capacity, the stand of the crop and its ultimate yield. Seeds of bunch types (Spanish and Valencia) are non-dormant and hence germinate immediately after maturity. Seeds of semi- spreading (Virginia bunch) and spreading varieties (Virginia runner) are dormant and undergo a resting period of between 60 to 75 days before germination. Storing such seed along with ripening bananas for three to four days in air-tight containers will help in breaking dormancy. Seed germination in bunch types should be from 90 to 95% and in spreading types, from 85 to 90%. Germination less than 85% is not considered satisfactory. Seeds retain their viability for longer periods if kept unshelled. The pods should be shelled by hand one week prior to sowing. Hand shelling reduces damage to seeds. Wherever hand shelling is not possible (due to scarcity of labour), groundnut decorticators can be used for shelling the pods.

When pods are shelled long before sowing, they are liable to suffer from loss of viability rapidly and damage due to pests, etc. Small, shrivelled and diseased kernels should be discarded and only bold seeds should be used for purposes of seed.

Seed rate

The seed rate is an important criterion for an optimum plant population in the field and to achieve good yields. It depends on the variety cultivated. Semi-spreading and spreading varieties require 110 kg/ha while bunch varieties require 120 kg/ha.

Treatment

Before sowing, the seeds can be smeared with lime solution. The heat produced by the lime solution enhances germination. Seed treatment with asafoetida solution helps to protect the crop from blight. Asafoetida solution is prepared by mixing 250 gm of asafoetida in two litres of water. This quantity is sufficient for treating twenty kilo of seeds. The seeds should be soaked in this solution for twelve hours before sowing.

Inoculation of seed with efficient strains of nitrogen-fixing bacteria is necessary for areas where groundnut is not generally grown. Seed inoculation with three packets (600 gm) of rhizobium per hectare is recommended.

Bio-control agents like Trichoderma viride @ 4 gm/kg of seed or Pseudomonas fluorescens @10 gm/kg of seed can also be used for seed treatment. In addition, groundnut seed can also be treated with amrut pani/panchagavya/cow pat pit or jeevamrut.

Updated on : Dec 2014