Effect of Sowing Methods on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Varieties at Dongola-Sudan

Abstract

This study was conducted at the demonstration farm of Dongola Research Station, Northern state, Sudan during 2016 and 2017, to assess the effect of sowing methods namely; flat and ridges on the performance of five released varieties of groundnut under the environment of Arid-soil and Surface irrigation system. The experimental design was arranged as split- plot in randomized complete block design with three replications. Five released groundnut varieties (Sodari, Madani, Kiriz, Tozi and Ahmadi) were used and assigned to the main plots and the two sowing methods (Flat and Ridge) were assigned to the sub plots. The hole to hole and ridge to ridge (or row to row) spacing were 30 cm and 60 cm, respectively, with plot size 3 x 3 m. In both seasons, sowing date was 24th July. The results for growth attributes of this study revealed that sowing methods significantly affected main stem diameter in the first season and days to 50% flowering in the second season. On the other hand, non-significant differences were indicated for plant height (cm), days to maturity and biomass/plant. The results of Yield and yield components indicated significant differences in 100-seed weight in both seasons, number of branch/plant and seed yield (kg/ha) in the first season and seed yield/plant in the second season. However, this result indicated a non-significant differences in number of pods/plant, number of pods/branch, pod yield/plant, pod yield (kg/ha) and number of seeds/pod in both seasons.