Peanut Valar

Peanut, or groundnut, is an annual leguminous crop distinguished by high yield and economic attractiveness. It can grow on poor sandy soils in hot conditions, making it promising for cultivation in Ukraine due to suitable soil-climatic conditions and a stable market for sale. Peanut contains a high percentage of oil (45–60%) and protein, making it a valuable raw material for the food and industrial sectors.

For successful peanut cultivation, its biological characteristics must be considered. The plant requires a lot of heat and has a long vegetation period — from 130 to 160 days. Peanut flowers are self-pollinating; after pollination, special projections — gynophores — drop into the soil and form pods. The pod maturation process stops at temperatures below 20°C. Sowing is conducted at the end of April, after the threat of frost has passed, using seeders with holes corresponding to seed size (about 5 mm). The seeding rate is 70–100 kg per hectare.

Peanut care includes watering during critical growth phases — bud formation, flowering, and pod development — as well as protection against diseases and pests. Herbicides similar to those used for soybeans, such as Bazagran M and Targa Super, are applied for weed control. Special attention is paid to preventing root rots, so seeds are treated before sowing. In Ukrainian conditions, special peanut varieties, such as 'Valar', have been developed, adapted to local climate and soils, which facilitates successful cultivation of this crop on home plots and in agriculture.