Improved peanut lines for Region 1 [Ilocos Region, Philippines]

Peanut is one of the major field legumes grown by local farmers but its production has been consistently low since 1997. However, in 2005, there was a slight 4% increase in production. To sustain this trend, Mangaser et al (DMMMSU) evaluated the agronomic and yield characteristics, and profitability of growing improved peanut lines suited for Region 1. The identified promising line that were high yielding and resistant to insect pest and diseases served as a basis of the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) in recommending location-specific varieties. The study was conducted from November 2005 to March 2006 in Bacnotan, La Union and Dingras, Ilocos Norte following the standard cultural management practices of growing peanut. Findings of the study revealed the following: CV Pn 02-0132 and CV Pn 02-073 gave higher 100 seed weight of 85-87.50 g compared with the check varieties (IPB Pn 89-20-42), CV Pn 02-0132, NSIC Pn11, NSIC Pn 12 and Native Pink). These lines had comparable pod and bean yield with the national check varieties. CV Pn 02--132 had a pod yield of 4,400 kg/ha fresh pod, 2,880 kg/ha dried pod, and 1,847.40 kg/ha bean yield. On the other hand, CV Pn 02-073 had a pod yield of 3,825 kg/ha fresh pod, 2060 kg/ha dried pod and 1,270.06 kg/ha bean yield. CV Pn 02-0132 and CV PN 02-073 matured at 89.25 days and 70.25 days from germination, respectively. The two peanut lines had 'slight' pod break with moderate to deep pod construction and non-distinct pod reticulation. The seeds were pinkish, large, oblong-shaped with flat ends, and of good quality (having minimal number of shriveled, cracked rotten or discolored seeds). Results showed a substantial net return in growing the two peanut lines. A net income of Php 32,705 or an ROI of 131.37% and BCR of 2.31 can be obtained using CV Pn 02-0132. On the other hand, the use of CV Pn 02-073 resulted in a net income of Php 16,305 or an ROI of 65.49% and BCR of 1.65. Based on the results, the two peanut lines were potential varieties for recommendation to the NSIC due to their excellent performance during the dry season. The researchers recommended the promotion of these lines as location-specific varieties for La Union and Ilocos Norte. there is also a need to conduct similar study to assess the growth and yield performance of these peanut lines during the wet season.