Quality control to seeding systems and densities in peanut crop

Abstract

The mechanisation of peanut cultivation has evolved over the years, but there are still obstacles that affect the quality of mechanised operations. Among these, sowing is essential for ensuring an adequate plant stand and the successful implantation of crops. The objective of this study was to use Statistical Process Control (SPC) to evaluate the quality of the operation of peanut seeding systems and densities. The parameters included the number of days to emergence, the longitudinal distribution of seedlings, the initial stand of plants and the crop yield. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomised block design including two seeding systems (manual and mechanical), three seed densities (10, 14 and 18 seeds m-1) and eight replications in the year 2013. The seeding systems maintained a quality standard for the average number of days to seedling emergence. Compared to the longitudinal distribution of the seedlings in the control group, the mechanised seedings presented higher percentage of flawed spacing, which did not affect the crop yield. The initial stands of plants were similar between the two seeding systems, and the seed density of 14 seeds m-1 resulted in values that were similar to those of the higher seed density rate of 18 seeds m-1. Similar behaviour was observed for pod production. In conclusion, the mechanised seeding showed a satisfactory quality standard and the seed density rate of 14 seeds m-1 presented an agronomic performance similar to that of 18 seeds m-1 and higher than that of 10 seeds m-1.