The effects of genotype and reproductive characteristics on maximum percentage of mature fruits in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Three peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) cultivars, Starr, New Mexico Valencia A and Florunner, and seven plant introductions were evaluated for genetic differences in maximum percentage of mature fruits and for easily measured genetic traits that might serve as selection indices for maximum percentage of mature fruits. The percentage of mature kernels determined on the basis of internal pericarp color was compared with the percentage of sound mature kernels by standard grading procedures. The percentage of mature fruits for the ten genotypes was determined subjectively on the basis of internal pericarp color at seven weekly harvests beginning 100 days after planting. The highest percentage of mature fruits at any of the seven harvest dates was considered the maximum percentage of mature fruits. The genotypes ranged from 92.5 to 74.9 in maximum percentage of mature fruits and differences were statistically significant both years. Maximum percentages of mature fruits consistently were higher for row plots than for hill plots but the difference was significant only in 1974. Under the conditions of these tests, three harvests at two week intervals adequately evaluated the genotypes and reduced to a workable minimum any selection disadvantages for either early or late maturing genotypes. The data indicates that single plant hill plots spaced at 46 cm intervals might not be as suitable as row plots planted at the normal rate for evaluating genotypes for differences in maximum percentage of mature fruits. ...