In May 2008, farmers in Liaoning and Hebei provinces faced a serious issue with rotten peanut seeds. Seedlings failed to emerge even by late May, and upon checking the soil surface, it was clear that many seeds had rotted underground. Rural households reached out to agricultural experts via hotlines, asking why their peanuts weren’t sprouting. As we approach the next planting season, Professor Cao Yiping from China Agricultural University has provided insights into the causes of peanut rot and key precautions to avoid similar problems this year.
According to the expert, last year’s peanut rot was due to both external and internal factors. Externally, the spring weather was unusually cold and wet, with a few late April and early May cold spells. This was not ideal for the heat-loving peanut plants. Internally, the characteristics of the seeds themselves played a role. Peanuts require specific conditions for germination, and when sown too early or under poor soil conditions, they are more likely to rot, especially in cold and damp environments.
Peanut seeds have strict requirements for water, temperature, and oxygen during germination and emergence. First, temperature is critical: different subspecies have varying dormancy periods. The long-dormancy type needs at least 15°C to start germinating, while the short-dormancy type can begin at 12°C. For full germination and emergence, the accumulated temperature must exceed 115°C, and the process usually takes 10–20 days. The minimum temperature required for seedling development is 14–16°C.
Water absorption is also important—peanut seeds are large, often weighing over 100 grams, and need to absorb four times their weight in water during germination. Oxygen availability is another factor; if the soil is too compact or saturated, it can hinder germination.
Other factors affecting emergence include seed quality, climate, sowing depth, pest pressure, and soil structure. Peanuts thrive in well-drained sandy loam soils rich in organic matter. Preparing seeds before planting is essential. Sunning the seeds can boost their vitality, and shelling should be done just before sowing to prevent moisture loss. Soaking seeds in warm water helps them absorb enough water, but care must be taken not to over-soak them. Once white tips appear, it's time to plant.
It’s important to note that soaking is only necessary under certain conditions—such as in low temperatures or when sowing early. Timing is key.
To prevent rot this season, farmers should pay attention to several key practices. First, sow at the right time when the soil temperature is stable. Second, use appropriate fertilizers—calcium sulfate, diammonium phosphate, and low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus-potassium compounds are recommended. Avoid using urea-based fertilizers. Third, if cold weather occurs, delay sowing slightly. If reseeding is needed, pre-germinate seeds and consider inoculation with beneficial bacteria.
In summary, by carefully monitoring local soil temperature and moisture levels, choosing the right sowing time, and properly preparing seeds, farmers can significantly reduce the risk of peanut rot and ensure successful germination.
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