FLOWER PRODUCTION AND GROWTH IN GROUNDNUT PLANTS

Groundnut flowering was analyzed on plants whose growth was modified b y changing planting density or by shading exposure during different pe riods of the growth cycle. Flowering was assessed at the level of the plant, branch, and inflorescence. The results showed that flowering pr ogression along the branch reflected the flowering dynamics of the ent ire plant. The number of flowers produced was determined by the rate o f progression of flowering along the branches and by the period from t he beginning to the end of blooming. These features were closely depen dent on plant growth conditions. Increasing the planting density slowe d the flowering rate and shortened the blooming period. This allowed a better synchronization of pod maturity. Exposure to shade before flow ering decreased the rate of production of flowers but prolonged its du ration, whereas exposure at mid-flowering halted flower production. It is suggested that the different reproductive organs (flowers and pods ) may compete for assimilates, thus explaining the various effects obs erved on daily flower production. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.