Growth and Yield Performance of Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Response to Plant Density

A field study was conducted at the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti campus during the 2009 and 2010 seasons to determine the effects of different sowing densities on the growth and yield of three groundnut cultivars. Azivivi, Nkosour and Shitaochi groundnut cultivars were sown at four sowing densities [Low (14.29 plants m-2), Medium (16.67 plants m-2), Control (20.0 plants m-2) and High (33.33 plants m-2)] in a 3 x 4 factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Azivivi and Nkosour are improved 120-day maturing Virginia bunch types, while Shitaochi is a widely grown local 95–100-day maturing Spanish type. In 2009, Nkosour and Azivivi produced similar, but greater haulm (11-30%), pod (83-113%) and seed (71-95%) yield than the Shitaochi cultivar. The high plant density generally produced greater haulm, pod and seed yields in 2009 under adverse low rainfall environment. In 2010, Nkosour and Shitaochi produced similar haulm and seed yields, which were 12-17% and 9-17%, respectively, higher than the yields produced by Azivivi; and the low and medium sowing densities produced intermediate haulm and slightly greater pod and seed yields in 2010. It is recommended that Nkosour at high plant density be sown during the minor season; and Nkosour or Shitaochi at low or medium plant density during the major season for dual purpose haulm and seed production.