https://doi.org/10.65770/WYJP1050
ABSTRACT
Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) productivity in Nigeria has declined in recent years, partly due to the mismatch between improved varieties and prevailing soil conditions. This study evaluated the influence of contrasting soil textures on the early vegetative performance of selected SAMNUT groundnut varieties under controlled conditions. A completely randomized design was employed in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, comprising three soil textures (sand, loam, and clay) and three varieties (SAMNUT 22, SAMNUT 24, and SAMNUT 27), with three replicates. Key growth parameters assessed included germination percentage, plant height, number of leaves, and number of nodes. Soil analyses confirmed distinct differences in textural composition among the treatments. Results revealed that varietal differences exerted a stronger influence on early growth performance than soil texture as a main factor. SAMNUT 22 and SAMNUT 27 consistently exhibited superior germination and vegetative growth across soil types. While loamy and sandy soils generally supported better overall performance, clay soil recorded the highest mean plant height at four weeks after sowing. The findings indicate significant genotype-environment interactions influencing early groundnut development. SAMNUT 22 and SAMNUT 27 are identified as promising varieties for enhanced establishment and early growth, particularly under loamy and sandy soil conditions in semi-arid Northern Nigeria. These results provide a basis for targeted variety selection and warrant further validation under field conditions.
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