Evaluation of time, method of sowing and varieties for table-purpose groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) under Island ecosystem.

A study was conducted during dry season of 2007–09 at Andaman and Nicobar Islands to evaluate the time, method of sowing and varieties for table-purpose of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Island conditions. Experiment was laid out in split-plot design by assigning method of sowing (manual line sowing and manual dibbling) in main plot and 3 time of sowing (24 December, 7 January, 22 January) with 2 varieties (‘SG 99’ and ‘ICGS 76’) in sub-plots and replicated thrice. Growth, yield parameters and yield were not significantly influenced by method of sowing. However early sowing, 24 December registered significantly higher pod yield (3 979 kg/ha) which is at with sowing, ie in first week of January (3 838 kg/ha). Delayed sowing, 22 January gave significantly lower yield as terminal phase of crop growth coincided with onset of rainfall. Similarly, early sowing of 24 December recorded significantly higher net returns (Rs53 040/ha) and B: C ratio (2.5). Both the varieties ‘SG 99’ and ‘ICGS 76’ performed equally in terms of yield and economics. Higher energy ratio (25.8) and lower specific energy (3.3 MJ/kg) was recorded with December sowing.