Growth and Yield of Groundnut Varieties as Influenced by Seed Size

The effect of seed size on germination, growth and crop yield was studied in 8 groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) varieties grown in the field in the kharif seasons of 1991 and 1993. Germination was greater with small and medium seeds than with large seeds in all varieties except Girnar 1, which had the highest germination with large seeds. Field emergence was less than laboratory germination, particularly for large seeds of Spanish bunch types and with small seeds of Virginia runner types. The seed sizes of GG2 and Girnar 1 had similar germination in the laboratory and field. Large seeds produced more vigorous plants having more shoot and root biomass initially and more large seeds at harvest than those from small and medium seeds. However, at maturity the plants produced by the various seed categories did not differ significantly in plant height, pod yield, 100-seed weight or shelling percentage. Small and medium seeds, which germinate better and require less weight of seeds per unit area, should be used for sowing, leaving the large seeds for table or other edible purposes