Variability in Peanut Seed Size: Impact On Producers.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars are grouped into the following U.S. market types: virginia, runner, spanish, and valencia. This grouping is based on morphological characteristics and, in particular, seed size. Cultivars within each of the market types also vary in seed size and shape. Seed size is commonly referred to as count per ounce in the shelled goods and processed market trade and as number of seed per pound in the seed trade. Seed size is a function of both genetics and environment, especially water availability during seed development and seed calcium level. The variability in seed size has an economic impact on producer input costs. In the southeastern United States, approximately 98% of the nearly one million acres is planted in runner-type cultivars. There are currently 15 runner-type cultivars available for producers to plant. Seed count on a per pound basis ranges from approximately 650 to 850. At the recommended seeding rate of six seed per row-foot, the range in pounds of seed planted per acre is 102 to 134. Depending upon the price pre pound, the 32 pound per acre difference could result in a $20-25 per acre increase in seed cost for the larger seed size. Additional calcium requirements also increase cost of production for larger-seeded runner-type cultivars.