Groundnut research under low-rainfall conditions in Botswana
1989
Mayeux, A. | Maphanyane, G.S.
The low groundnut production in Botswana is because of erratic rainfall, lack of suitable cultivars, poor crop management, and absence of industrial processing that could stimulate production towards reaching self-sufficiency in vegetable oil. A few imported cultivars from India and West Africa were promising under low-rainfall conditions but the establishment of a national breeding program may be the most effective way of providing better-adapted varieties. Sowing at 75 cm x 20 cm spacing and the addition of gypsum is recommended to improve seed quality. Response to fertilizer (P) is negligible under low-rainfall conditions. Hilling of groundnut plants had a negative effect on pod yield and harvest quality. Use of a fungicide (captan) as a seed dressing improved plant establishment by controlling Aspergillus niger. Termite damage was the most important problem but chemical control was uneconomical due to low yield potential
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