The relation between kernel development and time of harvesting of peanuts at Katherine, N.T

Abstract

In an experiment involving two times of planting of Natal Common peanuts at Katherine, N.T., the development of kernels was followed by weekly harvests. The accumulation of kernel yield per acre was found to proceed to completion at a high rate, with no gradual decline in rate as the final level was approached. In spite of widely different conditions of growth and final yield per acre, the final mean weight of individual kernels was almost the same (0.35 grams) for both plantings. Yield differences were therefore almost who14 due to differences in kernel numbers. The increase in mean individual kernel weight (MIKW) was found to follow closely the increase in total kernel weight (TKW), reaching a constant value at almost the same time as did total kernel weight. The coefficient of variation for MIKW was only about one-tenth of the coefficient for TKW.It is therefore suggested that MIKW can be used satisfactorily to estimate maturity. In Natal Common maturity seems to be reached when MIKW reaches 0.35 grams. A satisfactory estimate of MIKW is obtained from five typical plants the kernels being oven-dried at 80¦C for 24 hours before weighing and counting. Supporting evidence for the constancy of MIKW despite differing kernel yield per acre is quoted. It is suggested that MIKW may differ between varieties at maturity.