Development of a Methodology to Irradiate Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Seeds to Simulate Stand Problems in Small Plot Trials.

Developing small plot trials that simulate natural plant stand loss are difficult and timely. These types of trials usually require researchers to manually pull plants from the plot to mimic the desired spacing and gaps. To assist in eliminating the bias of this method, a protocol for irradiating peanut seeds was developed. Using a microwave, irradiation treatments were evaluated at different time treatments and wattage levels. Power levels of 810 and 1350 watts were evaluated at 0 (control), 30, 60, 90, and 120 seconds. Seeds were then placed in petri plates with a moist damp piece of paper in continuous darkness for five days at a constant temperature of approximately 25℃. On the fifth day the percentage of germination was determined as a ratio of the number of germinated seeds to the total number of seeds. Treatments at the higher power damaged the seed at all time treatments causing the seeds to split. The lower power level did not damage the seed making it more ideal in the planting process. The period of germination inhibition was determined to be between 60 and 90 seconds. Using irradiated seed combined with viable seed at select percentages poor stands can be obtained in an unbiased manner.