Peanut

The optimal planting pattern depends on the variety and region; however, a row spacing of 60–70 cm is most common to allow for proper plant management and earthing up.

Planting depth ranges from 5 to 8 cm. In heavier soils, seeds are planted shallower, whereas in lighter soils, they are planted deeper to ensure moisture contact.

Seed treatment with fungicides is highly recommended before sowing to protect against soil-borne pathogens, as peanuts are susceptible to rotting during germination.

Adhering to crop rotation is crucial: peanuts should not be planted on the same field more frequently than once every 3–4 years to prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases.

Peanut is a heat-loving legume requiring an accumulated temperature of 2800°C to 3000°C for successful growth. The optimal temperature range is +25…+30°C.

The crop prefers light sandy or sandy loam soils with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Good drainage is essential, as waterlogging can cause root damage and disease.

Loose topsoil is vital for the development of pegging (the process where flowers push into the ground), as pods form and mature underground.

Peanuts are relatively drought-tolerant but sensitive to moisture stress during flowering and pod formation. Excessive rain late in the season can cause premature germination.

Abundant sunlight is necessary. Shading or cloudy weather significantly reduces yield and quality by slowing down photosynthetic efficiency.

Peanut yields depend heavily on agronomic practices and environmental conditions. With proper management, industrial yields range from 2.0 to 4.0 tons per hectare.

Factors influencing productivity include:

• Genetic potential of the cultivar and quality of the seed stock.
• Effective and timely earthing up, which facilitates peg penetration.
• Calcium availability in the soil, which is vital for pod filling.
• Stringent weed control during the early stages of vegetation.
• Precise irrigation scheduling to avoid stress during critical growth stages.

Under garden conditions with optimized microclimates, a single plant can produce up to 50–100 high-quality pods.

The final commercial yield is determined by seed weight and shelling percentage, which are the primary quality indicators for the processing industry.

Fungal diseases like leaf spot (Cercospora), Alternaria, and various root rots pose the biggest threats, especially during periods of high humidity.

Common pests include wireworms, which damage pods in the soil, as well as aphids and spider mites that weaken the foliage and reduce overall plant vigor.

Prevention strategies involve using treated seeds, maintaining spatial isolation from other legumes, and regular cultivation between rows to disrupt pest life cycles.

If pest or disease outbreaks occur, systemic insecticides and fungicides should be applied according to local agricultural regulations.

Weeds are strong competitors for nutrients during the early vegetative phase, making herbicide application or mechanical weeding mandatory until the crop canopy closes.

Harvest begins when foliage turns yellow and withers, and the kernels inside the pods achieve their characteristic color and separate easily from the hull.

Delayed harvesting is dangerous, as it can lead to pod shedding or damage by soil-borne pests, significantly lowering the market value of the crop.

Harvesting is performed in dry conditions. Plants are lifted using specialized equipment to cut the taproot, after which pods are dried in windrows for several days.

After partial drying, pods are detached from the vines and dried further until moisture levels reach 8–10% for safe long-term storage.

Correct drying is the primary defense against mold and aflatoxin contamination, which are major risks if the moisture content is not properly managed.