PRODUCTIVITY OF GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) AS INFLUENCED BY VARIETY AND SPACING IN NINGI LGA, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at Ningi during dry season of 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the effect of variety and spacing on the growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The treatments consisted of two groundnut varieties (Samnut 21 and Samnut 24) and four intra-row spacings (10, 15, 20 and 25 cm); these were factorially combined to give eight treatment combinations and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RBCD) with three replications. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, 100 grains weight and grain yield. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was adopted in separating the means. The result of the experiment showed that, there was a significant difference (P= 0.05) in both years on all the parameters observed. The results further indicated that, spacing of 15x50 cm produced statistically (P= 0.05) similar result with 20x50 cm, however the two treatments were better than the other spacing used. Varieties on the other hand, Samnut 24 proved to be significantly (P= 0.05) better than Samnut 21 on most of the parameters observed. Considering year of study however, 2021 was found to be statistically (P= 0.05) better than 2022 in all the parameters observed. Based on the results, growing Samnut 24 at a spacing of 15 x 50cm can be adopted by farmers for groundnut production in the study area.