Evaluation of Seeding Rates for Large-Seeded Runner Peanut Cultivars Planted In Twin Row Pattern.

Cultivar availability of runner peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) has recently trended toward those with a larger seed size.  Because peanut seed is sold by weight, these larger seeded cultivars lead to increased seed cost, making it is essential that producers plant only enough seed to get an optimal stand (4.0 plants per foot or row) in order to maximize profit potential.  This study was designed to evaluate whether seeding rates below current recommendations can produce peanut yield and quality on a level that maximizes producer profits.  Four cultivars (‘Georgia Green’, ‘AT 3085RO’, ‘Tifguard’, and ‘Georgia-06G’) and four seeding rates (4.4, 5.2, 6.2, and 7.0 seed per foot of row [SPF]) were tested at Midville, Georgia in 2008 and 2009.  There were no cultivar x seeding rate interactions and no yield differences among seeding rates.  Georgia-06G (6973 lb A^-1) yielded greater than all other cultivars in 2008.  Both the 6.2 and 7.0 SPF rates resulted in final plant stands greater than the 4.4 and 5.2 SPF rates.    All seeding rates except 4.4 SPF were sufficient to achieve 4.0 plants per foot of row at harvest.