SEEDING

SEEDING

Valencia peanut varieties are typically planted at 75 to 100 lb/A. Lower seeding rates are more commonly used on single-row beds, while the higher rates are used on double-row plantings. Plant populations vary from 60,000 to 80,000 plants per acre. There usually is no economical increase in productivity with increased seeding rates.

Seeding depth should be between 1.5 and 2.0 inches. If topsoil is moist, seeds placed at shallower depths usually germinate quickly. During dry conditions or drought years, seeds may have to be planted deeper into available moisture for germination. The shorter the period between planting and actual seed germination, the less the susceptibility to soil-borne disease and insect problems.

In all areas of New Mexico, planting should be delayed until the soil at seed depth has warmed sufficiently for rapid germination and seedling emergence. Peanut seeds have a minimum soil temperature requirement for germination that varies with variety. Peanuts should be planted in warm, moist soils. Planting peanuts in cool, wet soils, or planting seed too deeply or too early, may result in slow seed germination and seedling emergence. These factors contribute to seedling diseases and poor stands, and may influence replanting decisions.

The number of days between the optimum temperature for germination and the first killing frost should be considered when selecting the peanut variety. Valencia varieties require only 95 to 100 days to reach maturity, while some of the Virginia, Spanish, and runner market types need 140 days or more. Optimum planting date is generally determined by soil temperatures above 60°F for five or more days in succession.