The effects of seed size, seed treatment, method of shelling, and organic matter on the establishment of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) at Katherine, N.T

Abstract

The effect of seed treatment, seed size, incorporated organic matter, and method of shelling on the establishment of peanuts at Katherine, N.T. was studied during two seasons, 1965-66 and 1966-67. Mechanical damage to the seed during machine shelling was one of the main causes of poor establishment : the larger seed was more vulnerable and the smaller grades of mature, well-filled seed may be preferable. Seed treatments that included 'Ceresan' (phenyl mercury acetate) overcame much of the damage caused by machine shelling. It was concluded that the seed treatments gave protection against fungal infection when the testa had been damaged but could not rectify damage to the radicle. Seasonal conditions after sowing were very important in determining the level of establishment, and the relative efficiency of seed treatment was greater under adverse conditions. Incorporated organic matter had no marked effect on establishment, although peanut residue caused a small but significant reduction.