Improving cultivation of groundnuts

Description

Genetic and management options are available to realize an optimal pod yield and quality of groundnut production that meets the needs of the processors and consumers, as well as ensuring food safety standards. This chapter discusses various options for groundnut cultivation, from the choice of the variety to methods of storage available or are in use to achieve improved pod yield and quality. It discusses advanced groundnut farming practices such as conservation tillage in the USA, polythene mulch technology in China, and precision farming in developed countries. The chapter addresses the limitations of current agronomic recommendations for groundnut, assesses the available varieties and cultivars, and examines methods of field preparation and soil resources management. The chapter explores groundnut seed preparation, planting and weed and water management, as well as plant protection practices and harvesting, drying, curing, and storage methods. Finally, the chapter focuses on precision cultivation and groundnut seed systems.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Limitations of present agronomic recommendations 3 Choice of variety/cultivar 4 Field preparation and soil resources management 5 Seed preparation, planting and weed and water management 6 Plant protection practices 7 Harvesting, drying, curing and storage 8 Precision cultivation 9 Seed systems 10 Conclusion 11 Where to look for further information 12 References