Groundnut farming

Latest varieties under cultivation

High-yielding varieties:

• Girnar 4 (ICGV-15083) and Girnar 5 (ICGV-15090): Developed by ICRISAT and ICAR-DGR, these varieties boast high oleic acid content (above 80%), making them ideal for heart-healthy oils. They are also suitable for rainfed conditions in Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
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• K 13-2: Released by ANGRAU, this variety is resistant to rust and rosette diseases, offering farmers better yield security. It matures in 100-105 days and has a pod yield potential of 25-30 quintals per hectare.
  
  
• JL 20+: Developed by ICRISAT, this variety is known for its early maturity (90-95 days) and tolerance to drought and foliar diseases. It has a yield potential of 20-25 quintals per hectare.
  
  

Disease-resistant varieties:

• TAG 24: Released by ANGRAU, this variety offers good resistance to rust and late leaf spot diseases. It matures in 105-110 days and has a yield potential of 22-25 quintals per hectare.
• AK 12-24: This ICRISAT variety shows resistance to rust and bud necrosis disease. It matures in 110-115 days and has a yield potential of 20-25 quintals per hectare.

Other noteworthy varieties:

• GAUG-10: A popular variety in Andhra Pradesh, GAUG-10 offers high yields and good shelling percentage. However, it is susceptible to rust disease.
• ICGV 03043: This ICRISAT variety requires less fertilizer and pesticide inputs, making it a sustainable option. It also offers good resistance to rust and bud necrosis disease.

Choosing the right variety:

When selecting a groundnut variety, consider factors like:

• Soil type and climate: Different varieties are suited for different soil conditions and rainfall patterns.
• Disease resistance: Opt for varieties resistant to prevalent diseases in your area.
• Yield potential and maturity duration: Choose varieties that offer good yields and mature within a suitable timeframe for your cropping season.
• Market demand: Consider the demand for specific groundnut types (e.g., high-oleic varieties) for better market returns.

Ways to improve yield

Pre-Sowing Practices:

• Choose high-yielding varieties: Opt for varieties like Killi, TMV 7, and JL 20, known for their adaptability to Andhra Pradesh’s climate and resistance to diseases.

• Land preparation: Ensure proper land leveling and drainage to prevent waterlogging. Deep plowing and incorporation of organic matter improve soil aeration and nutrient content.
• Seed treatment: Treat seeds with fungicides to protect against fungal diseases like wilt and root rot. Consider using bio-inoculants containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria to enhance nitrogen uptake.

Sowing and Crop Management:

• Planting time: Sow seeds at the beginning of the monsoon (June-July) for optimal moisture availability. Maintain appropriate spacing (20-25 cm between rows and 10-15 cm within rows) to avoid overcrowding and facilitate proper pod development.
• Nutrient management: Conduct soil testing to determine specific nutrient deficiencies. Apply recommended doses of fertilizers like NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) based on soil test results and crop requirements. Consider using balanced fertilizers with micronutrients like zinc and boron.
• Weed control: Implement effective weed management strategies like hand weeding, mulching, or using pre-emergence herbicides to minimize competition for nutrients and moisture.

Irrigation and Pest Management:

• Irrigation: Groundnuts are moderately drought-tolerant, but supplemental irrigation during critical growth stages, especially during flowering and pod development, can significantly boost yield. Use drip irrigation or sprinkler systems for water efficiency.
• Pest and disease control: Regularly monitor crops for pests like aphids, thrips, and pod borers. Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, including neem-based insecticides, bio-control agents, and light traps, to manage pest populations effectively.
• Disease management: Control diseases like late leaf spot and rust by using fungicides based on the specific disease identified. Implement crop rotation to break disease cycles.

Additional Practices:

• Intercropping: Intercropping groundnut with legumes like mung bean or cowpea can improve soil fertility and nitrogen fixation.
• Harvesting and drying: Harvest groundnuts when pods are mature and shells turn brown. Dry pods thoroughly before storage to prevent fungal growth and aflatoxin contamination.
• Soil health improvement: Regularly incorporate organic matter like compost or green manure to improve soil health, fertility, and water holding capacity.

How to properly cultivate this 

1. Land Preparation:

• Choose well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5.
• Plow the land thoroughly to a depth of 15-20 cm, breaking up clods and removing weeds.
• Apply recommended doses of organic manure (compost, farmyard manure) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK) based on soil test reports.

2. Seed Selection:

• Select high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties suitable for your region and soil type. Some popular varieties in Andhra Pradesh include JL-20, TMV-7, and KCG-2.
• Treat seeds with fungicides like Carbendazim or Thiram to prevent diseases.

3. Sowing:

• Sow seeds at a depth of 2-3 cm, maintaining a spacing of 20-25 cm between rows and 10-15 cm within rows.
• Use a seed drill for precise sowing and uniform spacing.
• Irrigate immediately after sowing if the monsoon is delayed.

4. Crop Management:

• Weed control is crucial during the first 2-3 months. Manual weeding or herbicides can be used.
• Apply recommended doses of fertilizers as top dressing at specific stages of growth.
• Monitor for insect pests like aphids, thrips, and pod borers. Use neem-based insecticides or biocontrol methods for organic management.
• Irrigation is important during dry spells, especially during flowering and pod filling stages.

5. Harvesting and Threshing:

• Harvest groundnut pods when they turn mature and brown. Leaves should start yellowing and drying.
• Pull out plants gently and dry them in the sun for 3-4 days.
• Thresh pods manually or use a mechanical thresher to separate seeds from pods.
• Clean and dry seeds thoroughly before storage.

Additional Tips:

• Practice crop rotation with non-leguminous crops to break pest and disease cycles.
• Use intercropping with shorter duration crops like green gram or cowpea for additional income and weed control.
• Mulching around plants helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to minimize pesticide use and promote ecological balance.

Common Pests/Eradication methods

Common Pests in Groundnut and Eradication Methods:

Groundnut, also known as peanut, is a valuable crop susceptible to various pests that can significantly impact yield and quality. Here’s a look at some common pests and eradication methods:

1. Thrips:

• Appearance: Tiny, slender insects, about 1-2 mm long, with narrow wings. They are usually yellow or brown in color.
• Damage: Thrips feed on leaves and flowers, causing stunted growth, distorted leaves, and reduced yield. They can also transmit viruses.
• Eradication methods:
  • Insecticidal soap sprays: Effective against nymphs but not adults.
  • Neonicotinoid insecticides: Provide systemic protection against thrips.
  • Natural predators: Encouraging lacewings, ladybugs, and minute pirate bugs can help control thrips populations.

2. Aphids:

• Appearance: Soft-bodied insects, about 1-2 mm long, with green, black, or yellow coloration. They often gather in large colonies on leaves and stems.
• Damage: Aphids suck sap from leaves and stems, weakening the plant and reducing yield. They can also transmit viruses.
• Eradication methods:
  • Insecticidal soap sprays: Effective against nymphs but not adults.
  • Neem oil spray: A natural insecticide with repellent and insecticidal properties.
  • Ladybugs: These natural predators can significantly reduce aphid populations.

3. Jassids:

• Appearance: Small, green, jumping insects, about 3-4 mm long. They have long legs and antennae.
• Damage: Jassids suck sap from leaves, causing yellowing, curling, and stunting. They can also transmit viruses.
• Eradication methods:
  • Pyrethroid insecticides: Provide quick knockdown and control of jassid populations.
  • Neem oil spray: A natural insecticide with repellent and insecticidal properties.
  • Sticky traps: Attract and trap adult jassids, reducing their population.

4. Leafminers:

• Appearance: The larvae of small moths, about 2-3 mm long, that tunnel within leaves, creating winding mines.
• Damage: Leafminers damage leaves, reducing photosynthesis and yield.
• Eradication methods:
  • Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticides: Target caterpillars specifically, including leafminers.
  • Spinosad: A natural insecticide with low toxicity to beneficial insects.
  • Handpicking: Manually removing infested leaves can help control small populations.

5. Groundnut Bruchid (Caryedon serratus):

• Appearance: Brown beetles, about 4-7 mm long, with prominent hind legs.
• Damage: Adults lay eggs on pods, and larvae bore into the seeds, feeding on kernels and reducing their quality and marketability.
• Eradication methods:
  • Proper storage: Store dried pods in cool, dry, and insect-proof containers to prevent infestation.
  • Diatomaceous earth: A natural powder that dehydrates and kills insects by contact.
  • Heat treatment: Exposing pods to high temperatures can kill eggs and larvae.

Additional Tips for Groundnut Pest Control:

• Cultural practices: Crop rotation, intercropping, and proper field sanitation can help reduce pest populations.
• Natural enemies: Encourage the presence of natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
• Resistant varieties: Planting groundnut varieties with resistance to certain pests can be an effective long-term strategy.
• Monitoring: Regularly inspect your groundnut crop for early signs of pest infestation and take timely action.

Latest Research 

Health Benefits and Nutrition:

• Early peanut introduction and allergy prevention: Studies have shown introducing peanut-containing foods to infants between 4-10 months significantly reduces the risk of developing peanut allergy later in life. This has led to updated guidelines and recommendations by health authorities.
• High-oleic varieties: Researchers are developing groundnut varieties with significantly higher oleic acid content (up to 80%) compared to traditional varieties. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat with numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and longer shelf life for oil.
• Peanut protein for functional foods: Research is exploring the potential of peanut protein for developing functional foods like nutraceuticals and sports nutrition products. Its high digestibility and nutritional profile make it a promising ingredient.

Yield Improvement and Disease Resistance:

• Drought-resistant and disease-resistant varieties: Developing varieties that can withstand drought and resist common diseases like rust and late leaf spot is crucial for ensuring stable yields and food security. Researchers are employing advanced breeding techniques and gene editing technologies to achieve this.
• Climate-smart agriculture: Research is ongoing to develop climate-resilient farming practices for groundnut cultivation, including water conservation techniques, intercropping, and soil health management.
• Precision agriculture: Utilizing sensors, drones, and data analysis tools for precision fertilization, irrigation, and pest control can optimize resource use and improve groundnut productivity.

Other Research Areas:

• Sustainable production: Minimizing environmental impact through practices like organic farming and biofertilizers is gaining traction.
• Value-added products: Exploring new uses for groundnut, such as nut butter, protein isolate, and bioplastics, can enhance market value and farmer income.
• Genomics and gene editing: Understanding the genetic basis of important traits in groundnut can accelerate breeding efforts and develop improved varieties.

Typical yield

Region:

• Globally: The average yield for groundnut is around 1554 kg/ha (1384 lb/acre). However, this can range widely from 300-400 kg/ha (270-360 lb/acre) in some developing countries to over 5000 kg/ha (4500 lb/acre) in highly developed regions with optimal conditions.
• India: Similar to the global average, India’s national average yield is around 1336 kg/ha (1200 lb/acre). Within India, states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra have higher average yields ranging between 1400-2000 kg/ha (1250-1800 lb/acre). Andhra Pradesh, specifically, has an average yield of around 1100-1700 kg/ha (990-1520 lb/acre) depending on rainfed or irrigated conditions.

Farming practices:

• Irrigation: Irrigated groundnut typically has a higher yield than rainfed groundnut. For example, in Andhra Pradesh, irrigated groundnut can yield up to 1900 kg/ha (1710 lb/acre) compared to 1100 kg/ha (990 lb/acre) for rainfed groundnut.
• Crop variety: Different groundnut varieties have varying yield potentials. Selecting high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties can significantly improve your harvest.
• Fertilizer and pest management: Using appropriate fertilizers and pest control methods can help optimize growth and prevent losses, leading to higher yields.

Environmental factors:

• Soil quality: Nutrient-rich, well-drained soil contributes to better groundnut growth and higher yields.
• Rainfall and temperature: Adequate rainfall and optimal temperatures during the growing season are crucial for good groundnut production. Droughts or extreme heat can significantly affect yield.

                  Seeding/Planting 

1. Choosing the Right Time:

• The ideal planting time for groundnuts in Andhra Pradesh is May-June, coinciding with the onset of the monsoon. Early sowing helps the crop benefit from adequate rainfall and establish itself before the scorching summer months.
• Late sowing, beyond July, can lead to lower yields due to moisture stress and increased pest and disease incidence.

2. Preparing the Soil:

• Groundnuts prefer well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. If your soil is acidic, consider adding lime to adjust the pH.
• Plough the land thoroughly to a depth of 15-20 cm, breaking up clods and removing weeds.
• Apply farmyard manure or compost at a rate of 5-10 tonnes per hectare to improve soil fertility and organic matter content.

3. Selecting the Seeds:

• Use certified seeds of high-yielding varieties suitable for your region. Popular varieties in Andhra Pradesh include JL-24, TMV-7, and K-6-18.
• Choose healthy, undamaged seeds with a uniform size and color. Avoid using shriveled or discolored seeds, as they may have poor germination rates.

4. Sowing the Seeds:

• Sow the seeds in rows 30 cm apart, with a spacing of 10-15 cm within each row. This spacing allows for proper plant growth and air circulation, reducing disease incidence.
• Make planting furrows 4-6 cm deep for light to moderate soils and 2-4 cm deep for heavy soils.
• Place the seeds eye-down in the furrows and cover them with soil. Gently press down the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

5. Additional Tips:

• Inoculate the seeds with Rhizobium bacteria before sowing to enhance nitrogen fixation and improve plant growth.
• Mulch the soil around the plants with organic matter like straw or leaves to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Irrigate the crop if there is insufficient rainfall, especially during the flowering and pod-filling stages.
• Control pests and diseases promptly using recommended methods to protect your crop.

How to prepare a crop bed/types of

1. Timing and soil moisture:

• Ideal time: Start land preparation 4-6 weeks before sowing. Aim for moist but not wet soil (around 70% field capacity). Avoid tilling when the soil is too dry or too wet, as this can damage its structure.

2. Ploughing and harrowing:

• Depth: Plough the land 2-3 times to a depth of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches). This breaks up hardpans, improves aeration, and incorporates organic matter.
• Harrowing: Follow each ploughing with harrowing to break up clods and create a fine tilth (seedbed).

3. Weed control:

• Remove weeds: Before sowing, remove all previous crop residues and weeds. This reduces competition for moisture and nutrients and helps prevent pest and disease problems.
• Pre-emergence herbicide: Consider applying a pre-emergence herbicide like pendimethalin or fluchloralin to control early weed growth.

4. Soil pH and nutrients:

• Test soil pH: Get your soil tested to determine the pH level. Groundnut prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. If the soil is too acidic, apply lime to raise the pH.
• Fertilization: Apply recommended doses of fertilizers based on soil test results. Generally, groundnut requires nitrogen (20-30 kg/ha), phosphorus (40-50 kg/ha), and potassium (20-30 kg/ha). You can also incorporate organic manure like compost or farmyard manure (5-10 t/ha) for added nutrients and improved soil health.

5. Bed formation:

• Raised beds: In areas with poor drainage, create raised beds 1-1.5 m wide and 15-20 cm high. This improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.
• Furrows: For flat land, make furrows 30-40 cm apart and 10-15 cm deep. This helps in seed placement and drainage.

6. Mulching (optional):

• After sowing, consider applying a thin layer of organic mulch like straw or crop residues around the groundnut plants. This helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and moderate soil temperature.

Additional tips:

• Use certified seeds of improved varieties for higher yields and disease resistance.
• Ensure proper seed spacing (20-25 cm between rows and 10-15 cm within rows) for optimal plant growth.
• Follow proper crop rotation practices to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest and disease problems.

1. Timing and soil moisture:

• Ideal time: Start land preparation 4-6 weeks before sowing. Aim for moist but not wet soil (around 70% field capacity). Avoid tilling when the soil is too dry or too wet, as this can damage its structure.

2. Ploughing and harrowing:

• Depth: Plough the land 2-3 times to a depth of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches). This breaks up hardpans, improves aeration, and incorporates organic matter.
• Harrowing: Follow each ploughing with harrowing to break up clods and create a fine tilth (seedbed).

3. Weed control:

• Remove weeds: Before sowing, remove all previous crop residues and weeds. This reduces competition for moisture and nutrients and helps prevent pest and disease problems.
• Pre-emergence herbicide: Consider applying a pre-emergence herbicide like pendimethalin or fluchloralin to control early weed growth.

4. Soil pH and nutrients:

• Test soil pH: Get your soil tested to determine the pH level. Groundnut prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. If the soil is too acidic, apply lime to raise the pH.
• Fertilization: Apply recommended doses of fertilizers based on soil test results. Generally, groundnut requires nitrogen (20-30 kg/ha), phosphorus (40-50 kg/ha), and potassium (20-30 kg/ha). You can also incorporate organic manure like compost or farmyard manure (5-10 t/ha) for added nutrients and improved soil health.

5. Bed formation:

• Raised beds: In areas with poor drainage, create raised beds 1-1.5 m wide and 15-20 cm high. This improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.
• Furrows: For flat land, make furrows 30-40 cm apart and 10-15 cm deep. This helps in seed placement and drainage.

6. Mulching (optional):

• After sowing, consider applying a thin layer of organic mulch like straw or crop residues around the groundnut plants. This helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and moderate soil temperature.

Additional tips:

• Use certified seeds of improved varieties for higher yields and disease resistance.
• Ensure proper seed spacing (20-25 cm between rows and 10-15 cm within rows) for optimal plant growth.
• Follow proper crop rotation practices to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest and disease problems.