Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea) plays a crucial role in global agriculture, providing food, nutrition, and income security. It is one of the most significant cash crops grown for food and oil production. Therefore, scientists are dedicated to monitoring the growth and development of groundnut plants, particularly under extreme environmental conditions, to identify peanut genotypes that respond better to stress. Petiole Pro is instrumental in obtaining accurate measurements of groundnut plants.
Peanuts Among the Top Global Crops
Groundnut is a vital oil and industrial crop globally, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives on sandy soils, and high yields are essential for improving human nutrition. However, groundnut productivity varies significantly across different countries and regions.
Groundnut yields can range from about 400 kg to several tonnes per hectare, depending on the production system. On average, the global yield is around 2500–2700 kg per hectare. For instance, Tissa groundnuts in Sri Lanka yield similar numbers, while the Ilanda variety in Zimbabwe reaches up to 2800 kg per hectare. In Malawi, the average yield is 1500 kg per hectare, whereas in Zambia, it is as low as 500–700 kg per hectare.
Below is an overview of the requirements for soil, precipitation, temperature, planting season, maturity duration, and the major diseases and pests affecting groundnuts. Achieving high peanut yields necessitates robust practices in plant growth and development.
Requirements for Groundnut Plant Growth and Development
- Soil Requirements: Well-drained sandy loam or sandy clay loam soil with a pH of 6.5–7.0.
- Climate: Rainfall of 450–1250 mm per annum and a temperature of 27–30°C.
- Planting Season: Immediately after the onset of the rainy season.
- Maturity Duration: 140–150 days.
- Major Diseases: Rosette disease, early leaf spots, late leaf spots, rusts, aflatoxins.
- Main Pests: Aphids, leaf miners, thrips, termites, beetles.
Bio-stimulators for Groundnut Growth and Development
Bio-stimulators, a subgroup of bio-regulators, play a significant role in regulating plant life processes in various ways. They are naturally derived from plants, animals, or microbes, and help control and accelerate life processes, increasing plant resistance to stress and stimulating root and leaf development. Bio-stimulators are safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
Compared to bio-stimulators, plant growth regulators consist of phytohormones or other substances that alter the natural growth and development of plants. These may include auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, ethylene, or other specific substances like phenols, polyamines, and salicylic acid. Plant resistance stimulators, often synthetic, support and stimulate life processes by affecting metabolism. Collectively, these substances are often referred to as “bio-stimulators” in a colloquial sense.
Introduction to PQQ
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), also known as methoxatin, is a bio-stimulator synthesized by certain bacteria. PQQ influences microbial processes such as gene expression and metabolism, and its role in plant growth and development is gaining attention. While extensively studied in animals and humans, there are fewer studies on its effects on plants.
PQQ is an antioxidant and a redox cofactor found in plant and animal tissues. It is water-soluble, heat-stable, and capable of carrying out redox cycles, which involve changes in oxidation states of atoms.
Impact of PQQ on Groundnut Growth and Development
Indian crop scientists conducted experiments to assess the effects of PQQ on groundnut germination and growth. They focused on the antioxidant and redox cofactor properties of PQQ, hypothesizing that natural molecules enhancing seed germination and plant growth could lead to novel organic inputs. Researchers studied various concentrations of synthetic PQQ on groundnut growth, particularly on seed germination and growth characteristics.
The results revealed significant improvements in root development, with seedlings from 1.00 mM PQQ treated seeds showing triple the fresh root weight compared to controls. Petiole Pro facilitated monitoring plant growth and development, highlighting the difference in root mass between PQQ-treated and control seedlings.
PQQ’s Impact on Groundnut Leaf Area
During the experiment, scientists monitored leaf growth using Petiole Pro, recording the average number and area of leaves. The results showed that PQQ treatment increased leaf area significantly.
| Treatment | Average Number of Leaves | Average Area of Leaves (sq cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Control | 33.15±0.02 | 46.21±7.98 |
| 0.5 mM PQQ | 33.18±0.01 | 71.77±9.10 |
| 1 mM PQQ | 36.86±0.02 | 57.73±4.31 |
PQQ shows promise in designing novel formulations for improving groundnut growth and development.