EFFECT OF HARVEST DATE ON THE CHEMICAL-COMPOSITION OF PEANUTS

The effects of harvest date on the chemical composition of peanuts ove r a three-year period (1987 through 1989) were evaluated. Harvest year had no significant effect on chemical composition of peanuts. Protein content remained essentially unchanged as peanuts matured, except for the most mature peanuts which had the lowest amount of protein. Oil c ontent increased and carboydrate content decreased as peanuts matured. Protein content increased with increasing DAP (day after planting) an d oil content increased with DAP up to 125 DAP then decreased with DAP . The highest amount of oil content from peantus harvested at 125 DAP may be explained by the highest amount of accumulative effective daily heat unit.