Multidimensional evaluation of salt tolerance in groundnut genotypes through biochemical responses

The manuscript explores the complex interplay between groundnut genotypes,salt tolerance and hormonal influence,shedding light on the dynamic responses of three specific groundnut genotypes,KDG-128,TG-37 A and GG-20,to salt treatments and gibberellic acid(GA3).The study encompasses germination,plant growth,total protein content and oil content as key parameters.Through comprehensive analysis,it identifies TG-37 A and KDG-128 as salt-tolerant genotypes,and GG-20 as salt-susceptible genotypes,which highlighting the potential for targeted breeding efforts to develop more resilient groundnut varieties.Moreover,the quantification of protein and oil content under different treatments provides vital data for optimizing nutritional profiles in groundnut cultivars.Principal Component Analysis(PCA) underscores the significance of the first principal component(PC1)in explaining the majority of variance,capturing primary trends and differences in plant length.Analysis of Variance(ANOVA) and hierarchical analysis confirm the presence of statistically significant differences in protein and oil content among the genotypes.Pearson's correlation coefficient matrix analysis reveals strong positive correlations between plant length and protein content,plant length and oil content,and a moderately positive correlation between protein content and oil content.These findings provide valuable insights into groundnut physiology,salt tolerance,and nutritional composition,with implications for future research in sustainable agriculture and crop improvement.

Biocontrol of Aspergillus flavus Strains Isolated from Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) Seeds Using Essential Oils of Lippia multiflora Moldenke, Ocimum americanum L. (Lamiaceae) and Eucalyptus cameldulensis Dehnh

In nature, plant extracts play a crucial role in defending plants against biotic and abiotic stressors. Moreover, the use of plant-based products, such as plant extracts, represents a promising alternative to synthetic fungicides, which pose potential health risks to consumers. In this study, the antifungal activity of the essential oils (EOs) of Lippia multiflora, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Ocimum americanum was evaluated against two strains of Aspergillus flavus via the agar dilution method. These two Aspergillus flavus fungi was isolated from Bamabra groundnut seeds. Lippia multiflora essential oil (EO) showed the best results compared with the other oils, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 9000 μg∙mL−1. The MIC for Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Ocimum americanum EOs was 10,800 μg∙mL−1. In view of their antifungal properties, these EOs could be used to develop a new, safe antifungal agent for food preservation.

Effect of Variety and Plant Spacing on Growth and Yield of Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment was carried out to determine the effect of variety and plant spacing on yield and growth of groundnuts. The field experiment was laid in a 3 × 3 factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three (3) replications. The factor A included three (3) groundnut varieties (Nkatie Sari, Sum Nutt 22 and Yenyawoso) and Factor B was the three (3) spacing of 30 cm × 15 cm, 30 cm × 30 cm and 30 cm × 40 cm. All recommended agronomic practices were followed. Data was collected from eight (8) tagged plants. Growth data were recorded on plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, and the number of flowers while yield data were collected on the number of flowers, number of pods per plant, 100 seeds weight and the pod yield (kg/ha). The plant spacing significantly influenced (P < 0.05) the growth and yield parameters. Groundnut grown at a spacing of 30 cm × 15 cm produced the maximum plant height, whereas the maximum number of leaves, number of branches and number of flowers were produced from 30 cm × 40 cm. Yenyawoso variety with a wider plant spacing performed better vegetatively among all the varieties. The Yenyawoso variety produced the highest number of pods, 100 seeds weight and pod yield as compared to the other varieties. Also, Yenyawoso at 30 cm × 40 cm spacing and Nkatie Sari at 30 cm × 15 cm spacing produced the maximum pod yield.

Formulation of Infant Flours Based on Fonio Enriched with Bambara Groundnut Anacardium (Cashew) and African Locust Bean Fruit Pulp

Infant malnutrition is a significant issue in Côte d’Ivoire, and this study aims to address it by formulating infant flours using local ingredients. Fermentation, germination, and malting methods were used to enhance the quality of six formulated flours, all based on Fonio and supplemented with Bambara groundnut, African locust bean fruit pulp, and cashew kernels. Results showed that Fonio had the highest carbohydrate content, while Bambara groundnut and Cashew kernels were rich in protein and lipid content. African locust bean fruit pulp was rich in fiber and Vitamin C, with a high β-carotene value. The cashew kernel had the highest energy value. Regarding mineral composition, African locust bean fruit pulp had the highest potassium content, while Bambara groundnut and African locust bean fruit pulp were rich in sodium. Cashew kernel and Fonio had higher iron and calcium content. Bambara groundnut had a higher zinc content, while cashew kernel had a higher magnesium content. The formulated flours made from fermented Fonio grains and enriched with Bambara groundnut, African locust bean fruit pulp, and cashew kernel had varying protein, fiber, carbohydrate, ash, and fat contents. The flour formulated with sprouted Fonio and enriched with the same ingredients had higher protein content and energy value than the other fermented seed-based flours. The mixed flours produced with fermented seeds and the flour produced from sprouted seeds met international standards. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into the nutritional composition of the formulated flours and their potential to combat infant malnutrition in Côte d’Ivoire.

Diversification of primary gene pool through introgression of resistance to foliar diseases from synthetic amphidiploids to cultivated groundnut(Arachis hypogaea L.)

Groundnut(Arachis hypogaea L.)is widely grown and consumed around the world and is considered to have originated from a single hybridization event between two wild diploids.The utilization of wild germplasm in breeding programs has been restricted by reproductive barriers between wild and cultivated species and technical difficulties in making large numbers of crosses.Efforts to overcome these hurdles have resulted in the development of synthetic amphidiploids,namely ISATGR 278-18(Arachis duranesis×Arachis batizocoi)and ISATGR 5B(Arachis magna×A.batizocoi),which possess several desirable traits,including resistance to foliar diseases that generally cause huge yield losses annually in groundnut growing areas of Asia,America,and Africa.With an objective to improve foliar disease resistance,the primary gene pool was diversified by introgressing foliar disease resistance in five cultivated genotypes(ICGV 91114,ICGS 76,ICGV 91278,JL 24,and DH 86)from synthetic amphidiploids using a backcross breeding approach.Several introgression lines with resistance to two foliar diseases(rust and late leaf spot)were identified with levels of resistance equal to the donors.These backcross derived lines have shown a wide range of variation for several morphological and agronomic traits.These lines,after further evaluation and selection,can serve as donors in future breeding programs aimed atdeveloping improved cultivars with desirable agronomic traits,high resilience to biotic/abiotic stresses and a broadened genetic base.

Knowledge of aflatoxin contamination in groundnut and the risk of its ingestion among health workers in Ibadan,Nigeria

Objective:To assess the awareness and knowledge of aflatoxin contamination in groundnut and the risk of its ingestion among health workers in Ibadan.Methods:The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study.Study instrument was a semi-structured self administered questionnaire. The respondents were health workers from a public health facility.Results:A total of 417 health workers participated out of which males were 60.2%.The mean age of respondents was(28.0±4.9) years old.Doctors made up 83.0%while others were nurses.95%of the respondents had previous awareness of aflatoxin and class room lectures was the most common source of information(56%).Occupation and religion both showed a significant association with previous awareness of aflatoxin(P<0.05).Knowledge regarding aflatoxin contamination in groundnut and the risk of its ingestion was obtained showing knowledge score range of 0 to 14.In all,80.6%had good scores of 11 to 14.None of the respondents had ever told their patients about the risk of aflatoxin ingestion. Conclusions:There is a need to explore the possibility of incorporating aflatoxin awareness into routine health talk to increase the level of awareness of patients and their relatives.

Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Morpho-Agronomic Characteristics of Groundnut (<i>Arachis hypogaea</i>L.)

Induced mutation in plant improvement has been used in several crops to generate new sources of genetic variations. A study was conducted to determine the effect of different doses of gamma irradiation on different morpho-agronomic characteristics. Agronomic traits that were analyzed included: grain yield, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/plant and weight of 100 seeds and numbers of days to 50% flowering. Morphometric characterisation of the descriptive data included plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves/plant, leaflet length, leaflet width and number of ramification/ plant. Groundnut seeds were treated with various doses of gamma rays (100, 200, 400 and 600 Gy). Among the various dose treatments, gamma rays treatment at 100 Gy resulted in a higher increase of grain yield and other morpho-agronomic parameters especially for the JL24 variety. In fact the gamma irradiation at 100 Gy increased significantly grain yield by 14% for JL24, and 4 % for JL12. The number of pods per plant was increased by 2% for JL12 and 37% for JL24. For the number of seeds per plant, there was a significant increase of 8% for JL12, and 62% for JL24 at 100 Gy. A similar trend was observed for the JL24 at 200 Gy dose. Higher doses of gamma rays (400 and 600 Gy) reduced significantly plant growth and grain yield. The usefulness of the mutants identified in a groundnut breeding program is discussed.

Optimized production and properties of thermostable alkaline protease from Bacillus subtilis SHS-04 grown on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) meal

Production of alkaline protease from Bacillus subtilis SHS-04 was investigated under different fermentation conditions involving low-cost substrates with the aim of optimizing yield of enzyme. Maximum enzyme production (1616.21 U/mL) was achieved using groundnut meal (0.75%) as nitrogen source and 0.5% glucose as carbon source at 48 h cultivation period, pH 9, 45 ° C and 200 rpm. The yield was 348% increase over comparable control samples. The alkaline protease had optimum temperature of 60 ° C and remarkably exhibited 80% relative activity at 70 ° C. It was highly thermostable showing 98.7% residual activity at 60 ° C after 60 minutes of incubation at pH 9.0 and was stable in the presence of organic solvents studied. These properties indicate the viability of the protease for biotechnological and industrial applications. The optimized yield of enzyme achieved in this study establishes groundnut meal as potential low-cost substrate for alkaline protease production by B. subtilis SHS-04.

Influence of Cross-Inoculation on Groundnut and Bambara Groundnut-<i>Rhizobium</i>Symbiosis: Contribution to Plant Growth and Yield in the Field at Sarh (Chad) and Ngaoundere (Cameroon)

In the context of sustainable research aiming at improving seed yield and maintaining soil fertility, a study on cross-inoculation of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L.) Verd.) with rhizobia strains from four crop legumes was carried out at Sarh (Chad) and Ngaoundere (Cameroon). The experiment was conducted in each site following a randomized complete block design with 6 treatments known as the control, and 5 cross-inoculation formulations (RA, RN, RS, RV and MR), each of which was replicated thrice. Results obtained show that cross-inoculation contributed to the improvement of growth (plant sizes and biomasses) of the two crop legumes, as well as their seed yield at harvest. The enhanced yield expressed in kg/ha varied from 9.83% to 63.73% for groundnut and 72.71% for Bambara groundnut. These findings suggest that groundnut and Bambara groundnut do have a symbiotic affinity with rhizobia from other crop legumes. Whereas Groundnut, Cowpea, Soybean, Bambara groundnut rhizobia (GR, CR, SR, BR) alone, and the fourth in a mixture (RM) could be used to help improving groundnut seed yields;this mixture would not be indicated for intensive cultivation of Bambara groundnut later.

Epidemiology of the Groundnut (<i>Arachis hypogaea</i>L.) Leaf Spot Disease: Genetic Analysis and Developmental Cycles

Groundnut leaf spot is one of the important factors limiting groundnut productivity in Africa particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Early and late leaf spot disease of groundnut caused by Cercospora arachidicola Hori and Cercosporidium personatum (Berk & Curt.) Deighton, respectively, can cause considerable yield losses without fungicide management. The main objectives of this research were to analyze plant and disease developmental cycles. Significant differences were observed among the groundnut varieties evaluated for resistance to the leaf spot disease. The results show that plant development cycle can be divided into three developmental stages. A first stage characterized by a low production of leaves, a second stage with a significant leaf development and finally a third stage with a reduction of leaves. Interestingly, the leaf spot disease cycle was also divided in three stages. The disease stage characterized by the highest level of symptom expression was not associated with the plant phase with the highest emerged leaves. Disease symptoms reached the highest pick only after the phase of intense leaf development. The molecular analysis revealed that all the groundnut varieties analyzed were genetically closely related even though they showed different reactions to the leaf spot disease.

Influence of Desiccation Time on Survival and Regeneration of Embryonic Axes of Groundnut (<i>Arachis hypogaea</i>L.) Immersed in Liquid Nitrogen

Cryopreservation, the storage of biological materials in liquid nitrogen (LN), is a useful method for long term conservation of plant germplasm. This study was carried out with the objective of establishing an efficient desiccation technique for successful cryopreservation and recovery of embryonic axes of groundnut. Embryonic axes of four groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes were evaluated. The excised embryonic axes were dehydrated by air current of a laminar air flow cabinet for different duration (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 hrs) before being plunged in LN (-196℃) and held for 1 hr. Samples were thawed in water bath at 40℃?for 2 min, thereafter cultured on MS medium supplemented with 15 mg/L BAP for recovery. Highest survival (96.67%-100%) and shoot formation (91.67%-96.67%) were obtained at an average moisture content of 17% after 4-5 hr desiccation. Among the genotypes evaluated, Samnut 22 and Samnut 23 recorded the highest survival and shoot formation. This technique therefore appears promising for cryopreservation of groundnut germplasm.

Inventory, Geographical Distribution of <i>Caryedon</i>Species in Burkina Faso, and Evaluation of Their Impact on Stored Groundnut

To understand the mechanism of infestation of stored groundnut in farming areas, studies on the inventory and geographical distribution of Caryedon species were carried out in the tree savannah and in producers’ storage structures. The incidence of C. serratus in stored groundnut was evaluated. Inventory and geographical distribution of insects belonging to Caryedon genus was achieved through a sampling in the savannah and producers’ granaries. The inventory and geographical distribution of insects was made throughout Burkina Faso whereas the evaluation of the perforations of groundnut pods was made in the western zone of the country. The results of the inventory showed the presence of two species belonging to Caryedon genus which are C. serratus and C. crampelii. These species are found on the agro-ecological zones of the country. The survival and maintenance of Caryedon species genus are ensured by the presence of plants belonging to various families such as Caesalpiniceae and Mimosaceae. The evaluation of the losses caused by C. serratus in producer’s stored groundnut revealed that the pods perforation rate varied according to the locality. In?Toussiana, the rate of perforated pods ranged from 53.72% to 100% in five months while in?Karangasso Sembla, for the same conservation time, the rate was in the range from 2.8% to 35%. However it is C. serratus which is responsible for the losses observed in the stored groundnut. Indeed, in the western area of Burkina Faso where more than 25% of the production is realized, 70% of groundnut stocked without treatment is destroyed by this insect after only four months of storage.

Ethnobotanical Investigation of Insecticidal Plants and Evaluation of the Insecticidal Activity of Capsicum chinense on Sitophilus zeamaïs of Maize and Aphis craccivora of Groundnuts: Case of Boffa, BokéRegion (Republic of Guinea)

The present study, which aims to contribute to the valorization of Capsicum chinense, focuses on ethnobotanical investigations and evaluation of insecticidal activity on Sitophilus zeama&iuml;s and Aphis craccivora, as well as the germination power of infected maize and peanut grains treated and not treated with Capsicum chinense leaf powder. To do this, the moisture content of corn and peanuts was determined by the techniques: drying in the sun and in the oven. The insecticidal effect of the powder was tested on maize and peanut kernels infected by the AGRAR (2013) method, followed by a test of the germination potency of these treated grains. The average moisture values of corn and groundnut kernels are 14.51% and 12.25% respectively. The results show, a higher insecticidal efficacy of Capsicum chinense leaf powder on Sitophilus zeama&iuml;s and Aphis craccivora with doses (2, 4 and 8 g). The average germination rates of maize and peanut kernels infected and treated with this powder are: (16.5%;63%;99.5%) and (21.25%;96.5%;99.75%), respectively. This study could be a bio-insecticide alternative for the peasant community in the conservation of cereal and legume products.

Effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and vermicompost on groundnut yield in Babile District, eastern Ethiopia

Groundnut is a major cash crop for smallholder farmers in several districts of eastern Ethiopia with low yield. Little or no fertilizer was applied for the crop possibly because no generic or recommended fertilizer and technology were available. Therefore, field experiments were conducted for 2 consecutive cropping seasons in Babile District, to investigate effects of applying mineral N and P fertilizer and vermicompost (VC) on seed yield and oil content of groundnut using an improved variety ‘BaHa-Gudo’. Treatments consisted of nitrogen (0,23 and 46 kg N/ha), phosphorus (0,46 and 92 kg P2O5/ha) and VC (0,2.5 and 5 t VC/ha). Results revealed that yield attributes, seed yield and seed oil content were significantly (p < 0.01) affected by fertilizers. Seed yield after combined application of 46 kg N, 46 kg P2O5 and 2.5 t VC/ha increased by about 113% compared to seed yield without any fertilizers. Enhancement in seed oil content at the aforementioned rate was 7.0%. It could, thus, be concluded that applying the aforementioned fertilizers would enable farmers to increase seed yield and oil content of groundnut for enhancing their income and livelihoods in the study area.

Farmers' contributions to the conservation of tree diversity in the Groundnut Basin,Senegal

Tree diversity in West Africa is threatened by intensified land uses and salinization, and farmers’ role in conservation of tree species is unclear. We hypothesized that farmers contribute to conservation of tree diversity through protection of trees in their agroforestry landscapes and compared the diversity and structure of the tree vegetation across landscape classes. Inventories were carried out in three villages in the Groundnut Basin in Senegal, assessing tree diversity, density and crown cover. Tree diversity as assessed by species accumulation curves was high in forests, but cultivated landscapes had comparable or almost comparable diversity, especially in the cases where the forest was planted or was affected by charcoal production. However, the occurrence of exotic species was higher in cultivated parts of the landscape, and although many species were in common, ordination plots indicated that forests and cultivated landscapes to some degree had different species composition. Salinity had a strong influence on vegetation, not only in the tans (salt marshes) but also across the other landscape classes. In conclusion, agroforestry landscapes in the three villages harbor considerable tree diversity, but insufficient to fully conserve the tree species. We argue that informing and including farmers in tree management in the region will contribute to overall conservation of tree genetic resources.

Nutritional Components of Groundnut Seed Varieties and Their Damage by Khapra Beetle,Trogoderma granarium Everts

A laboratory experiment was carried out to determine the response of six groundnut varieties to infestation by larvae of Trogoderma granarium Everts （Coleoptera： Dermestidae） and their nutritional constituents. The improved groundnut varieties used included SAMNUT 10, RMP-91, SAMNUT 19, SAMNUT 23, EX-DAKAR and RRB. The crude fat content varied significantly among the varieties from 32.7% to 53.1% in EX-DAKAR and RRB, respectively. The seed varieties were not significantly different in crude protein, ash and moisture content. The moisture content ranged between 6.6% and 8.9% in EX-DAKAR and SAMNUT 19 varieties, respectively. The crude protein content ranged between 19.7% and 31.3% in SAMNUT 19 and EX-DAKAR, respectively. The ash content varied between 3.0% and 7.4% in RRB and RMP-91 varieties, respectively. The results showed that the seeds were attacked by the 4th instar larvae of T. granarium as indicated by percentage seed weight damage, seed weight loss and dust production. SAMNUT 10 variety had the least seed damage of 33.1%, 41.4% and 43.7% in 1 month, 2 and 3 months post-infestation. In view of the damage, it was evident that SAMNUT 10 variety had the least percent seed damage and loss suggesting the possible inclusion of the variety in breeding programme against the insect pest.

Character Association Studies in Groundnut (<i>Arachis hypogaea</i>L.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of relationship and association amongst morphological characters of groundnut as an important food crop in Nigeria. 118 cultivars were planted in a completely randomized design structure. Characterization was based on qualitative and quantitative evaluations of 62 characters. Data were analysed on the SPSS software (20.0 versions). Correlation tools were applied using Spearman, Kendall and Pearson methods. Level of relationship was determined based on the strength of coefficients R. Dependence among traits was tested using the Chi square. Multiple regression analysis was carried out in a predictive model. As a result, many of the traits are very weakly correlated. Day to emergence has no effect on Day to 50% flowering (R = 0.237, p < 0.05) and number of flower (R = 0.221, p < 0.05). Day to first flowering weakly correlates with maturity time of the plant (R = 0.39, p < 0.01) but no effect on the yield. Also, number of flower correlates moderately with number of pods (R = 0.535, p < 0.01) and seeds (R = 0.409, p Plant height also moderately affects leaflet sizes (R = 0.354, p < 0.01) with a low R2 of 13%. Plant biomass moderately affects number of pod (R = 0.494, p < 0.01), pod length (R = 0.395, p < 0.01), pod width (R = 0.473, p < 0.05), number of seed (R = 0.468, p < 0.01) and seed weight (R = 0.548, p < 0.01). Most of the high positive correlations recorded (R > 0.6, p < 0.9) were observed amongst pod and seed parameters. Pod sizes significantly affect the number of seeds present (R = 0.551, p 2 of 30%. Qualitative traits have no effect on each other as all coefficients are very low. Pod constriction and sizes have no relationship (R = -0.029). Tolerance to diseases is not affected by any qualitative trait. Also, no trait determines seed colour. Pubescence of young and mature leaflets recorded the only high positive correlation among all qualitative traits (R = 0.837, p = 0.01). However, leaf and stem pubescence have no relationship. The following traits significantly depend on cultivar type: disease tolerance (χ2 = 17.93, p = 0.000), plant survivorship (χ2 = 39.97, p = 0.000) and pod yield (χ2 = 69.695, p = 0.008). Seed yield has been predicted in a fit model with R2 of 51% and significant p values (p < 0.05) among some predictors. When appropriately applied, the information provided in this report may be useful to groundnut growers and breeders as well those interested in systematic studies of the crop.

Impact of <i>Cowpea mottle virus</i>on the Growth and Yield of Bambara Groundnut (<i>Vigna subterranean</i>(L.) Verdc.)

Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdc] is a food legume with high potential for food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, in addition to being a neglected crop, its production is limited by several constraints among which viral diseases are most cited. In order to contribute to the improvement of Bambara groundnut in Burkina Faso, local accessions of the crop were screened for resistance to Cowpea mottle virus (CPMoV), one of the most damaging viruses in grain legumes. Seven local accessions (C1 to C7) from two agro-ecological zones were evaluated by mechanical inoculation in field conditions in 2016 and 2017. The infected plants exhibited various symptoms of chlorosis, leaf deformation, growth retardation and plant stunting. CPMoV caused a significant reduction in the number of flowers and pods. As a result, grain yield was reduced by 49.5% to 83.9% depending on the accessions. The impact of the virus in yield loss was lowest in accessions C6 and C7 which indicated their possible used in the management of Cowpea mottle virus disease in bambara groundnut.

Effects of Spatial Row Arrangement and Time of Planting Intercrops on Performance of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Maize (Zea mays L.)—Groundnut Intercropping System in Ejura

In monoculture, crop failure due to biotic or abiotic causes can result in partial or total output failure. The yield, socio-economic, and environmental effects of intercropping on the farmer and the environment as a whole have not received much attention. There is a dearth of knowledge on the productivity of maize-groundnut intercrops in Ghana regarding the relative timing of planting and spatial arrangement of component crops. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the effects of spatial row arrangement and the time of planting intercrops on the productivity of groundnut under maize-groundnut intercropping. The 5 × 3 factorial field experiment was undertaken at the Miminaso community in the Ejura-Sekyedumase municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana during the 2020 cropping seasons. Treatments were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The levels of row arrangement of intercrops were: one row of maize and one row of groundnut (1M1G), one row of maize and two rows of groundnut (1M2G), two rows of maize and one row of groundnut (2M1G), two rows of maize and two rows of groundnut (2M2G), sole maize and sole groundnut (M/G). The levels of time of introducing groundnut included simultaneous planting of intercrops (0 WAP), planting groundnut one week after planting maize (1 WAP) and planting groundnut two weeks after planting maize (2 WAP). There were significant (P 0.05) treatment interactions for pod and seed yields of groundnut throughout the study. The highest groundnut pod yields of 1815.00 kg/ha and 2359.00 kg/ha were recorded by the 0WAP × 1M2G treatment in the major and minor seasons of 2020, respectively, while the highest groundnut seed yields of 741.00 kg/ha and 726.00 kg/ha were recorded in the major and minor rainy seasons of 2020 by 1WAP × G and 0WAP × G treatments, respectively. The highest seed yields of groundnut (404 kg/ha and 637 kg/ha for major and minor rainy seasons, respectively) were produced by 1WAP × 2M2G.

Analysis of Adoption of Improved Groundnut Varieties in the Tropical Legume Project (TL III) States in Nigeria

Agricultural technologies and innovations play a great role in increasing productivity, alleviating and reducing poverty and contributing to economic development and this is made possible through adoption of improved technologies and innovations. This study centered on analysis of adoption of improved groundnut varieties in the Tropical Legume (TL III) States of Nigeria. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 1476 groundnut farmers in the project States and from whom primary data were collected using electronic data capturing instrument containing the questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Average Treatment Effect (ATE) framework. The results showed that the breeding and promotion of improved groundnut varieties in Nigeria under the Tropical Legume Project and with the synergy of USAID groundnut up-scaling Project in Nigeria resulted in very high level of awareness of improved varieties, more than average level of access to the improved variety seeds, moderate level of utilization of the improved varieties among the groundnut farmers and the adoption rate of improved varieties increased from 8% at based line to 57% at the end of the project. The study recommends extension of the project to facilitate further access to these varieties and for state governments to take ownership of the projects in terms of financial commitments to promotional efforts for mass adoption by farmers.