Effect of Different Planting Dates on Yield and Yield Components of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

This study was conducted in the experiment fields at the Field Crops Department of the Faculty of Agriculture at Adnan Menderes University in 2004-2005. The experiment was performed in a split-plot design with 3 replications. The goals of this study were to determine the appropriate planting date for peanut under the ecological conditions of Aydın and to investigate the effect of different planting dates on some agronomic traits, yield, and yield components of 3 commercial peanut cultivars (Gazipaşa, Florispan, and NC-7) and the local cultivar. It was determined that the planting date had a statistically significant effect on pod yield, days to maturity, days to 50% flowering date, number of pods per plant, plant height, shelling percentages, pod yield per plant, and 100- seed weight. The results showed that the suitable planting date was 20 May and the Gazipaşa and local cultivars were promising for Aydın conditions. Peanut growth is affected by planting date in semi-arid regions, such as Aydın, where high temperatures and drought stress occur during late crop development and maturation periods.