HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Google Scholar Articles by Sorensen, R. B. Articles by Butts, C. L. PubMed Articles by Sorensen, R. B. Articles by Butts, C. L. Agricola Articles by Sorensen, R. B. Articles by Butts, C. L. Related Collections Forage Management Economics Crop Systems

PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE

Yield and Plant Growth Response of Peanut to Midseason Forage Harvest

USDA-ARS-National Peanut Research Laboratory, 1011 Forrester Dr. SE, Dawson, GA 39842

^* Corresponding author (ron.sorensen{at}ars.usda.gov).

Harvesting of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) foliage during the growing season may increase farm revenue through the sale of peanut hay; however, it is unknown how the peanut plant will respond to forage removal with respect to plant characteristics, pod yield, quality, and revenue. This experiment was a randomized complete block design where peanut foliage was harvested or sprayed with a plant growth regulator prohexadione calcium (PHDC; Ca salt of 3, 5-dioxo-4-propionylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid). There were nine treatments replicated five times. Peanut ‘Georgia Green’ was planted in twin rows during 2005 and 2006 on Tifton loamy sand. Peanut foliage was harvested at 20-cm height at 60, 90, and 120 days after planting (DAP). The PHDC was applied at recommended rates and timing. Leaf density was higher for peanut plants treated with PHDC compared with plants cut for forage. Leaf-to-stem ratios were higher with plants harvested early (60 DAP) compared with those harvested later (120 DAP). Total forage mass was lowest at 60 DAP and increased with single or multiple harvests. Total forage removed with one single midseason harvest was not different from an associated multiple harvest. Peanut pod yield decreased about 12% for each harvest. Peanut grade (total sound mature kernels, TSMK) decreased as the number of harvests increased, conversely, other kernels (OK) increased as the number of harvests increased. Pod and forage revenue was highest for the nonharvest and single-harvest treatments and decreased with the multiple harvests.

Abbreviations: DAP, days after planting • L/S, leaf-to-stem ratio • OK, other kernels • PHDC, prohexadione calcium • TSMK, total sound mature kernels

Mention of proprietary product or company is included for the reader's convenience and does not imply any endorsement or preferential treatment by the USDA-ARS.

All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Received for publication February 3, 2009.