Groundnut is commonly known as Peanut.

Groundnut is an herbaceous annual plant with thin stem and feather like leaves.

It is widely grown in the tropics and subtropics.

Major Groundnut growing countries in the world are India, China, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Burma and USA.

In India Groundnut is grown in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Fabales
• Family: Fabaceae
• Genus: Arachis
• Species: hypogea

• Groundnut oil is used for cooking.
• Groundnut seeds are used as food.
• Oil cake is used as a fertilizer.
• The plant stalks are fed to livestock.
• Groundnut shell is used as fuel for manufacturing boards and cork substitutes

Warm and moist conditions are very favorable for Groundnut cultivation as compared to cool and wet climates.

Temperatures above 35°C inhibit the growth of Groundnuts.

Optimum mean daily temperature for good growth is 30°C and growth ceases at 15°C.

The optimum temperature for the most rapid germination and seedling development is about 30°C.

Groundnut is grown in areas receiving 600 to 1500 mm of rainfall.

Groundnut is perfectly grown in a well drained sandy loam soil.

Deep well drained soils with a pH of 6.5-7.0 and high fertility are ideal for Groundnut.

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Aphids, Leaf Miners, Pod Borer, Red Hairy Caterpillar and Termites.
  • Major Diseases: Bud Rot, Collar Rot, Root Rot, Rust and Tikka.
• Abiotic Causes
  • Chlorosis
  • Purple Pigmentation
  • Mottling
  • Necrosis