Variation in Reproductive Efficiency of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) Genotypes at Different Planting Densities

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season, 2018 and 2019 at S.V. Agricultural college, Tirupati to study the ‘Variation in reproductive efficiency of groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) genotypes at different planting densities’. Instant increase in groundnut yields can be achived by reorienting its planting geometry. However identification of right variety with right plant architechture which fits into closed spacings is reduced. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with twelve treatments and three groundnut varities Kadiri 6, Kadiri 9 and Dharani with four spacings (S1: 30X10 cm, S2: 30X5 cm, S3: 20X10 cm and S4: 20X5 cm). Among the Spacings 20X10 cm (50 plants m-2) recorded significantly higher (3,616.87 kg ha-1) followed by 20x5cm (3,157.07 kg ha-1) and significantly lower pod yields in 30x10 cm (2,904.87 kg ha-1) and recommended spacing 30X5cm (2,540.07 kg ha-1). Among the three varieties Decumbent-3, Dharani recorded highest pod yield (3403.48 kg ha-1) followed by Decumbent-2 type, kadiri-9 (3292.65 kg ha-1) and least by Erect type, Kadiri-6 (2467.94 kg ha-1). However genotype performance was varied with the spacings adopted Kadiri-6 performed better under recommended spacing only (30x10 cm). Kadiri-9 variety also showed decreased yields when plant to plant to plant spacing was reduced. However Dharani recorded higher flower to peg ratio, peg to pod ratio and yields even in plant to plant and row to row spacings were reduced. Hence, to increase the groundnut productivity Dharani can be recommended at a spacing of 20x10 cm (50 plants m-2).