The influence of seed maturity variation on crop establishment, growth, and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The influence of seed maturity classes on plant stand variation in bunch (c v. GG 2) and spreading (cv. M 13) types of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) were analysed between 1992-95. Maturity classes were determined based on co lour of the inner surface of the pod shell. The results revealed that the m edium maturity group (semi-mature, mature, and semi over-mature class) of k ernels in cv. M 13 and the mature class kernels in cv. GG 2 showed higher p ercentage germination (laboratory and field), greater Seedling Vigour Index (SVI), better growth, and improved pod yields. Seeds and seedlings of thes e classes were least infected and (or) colonized by fungi compared to immat ure and over-mature classes of kernels. The seedling mortality was higher i n the immature class. The biochemical constituents of the kernels also vari ed significantly with the maturity class. The results showed that plant sta nd variation and associated yield variation were attributed to existing dif ferences in seed maturity classes within seed lots.