Effects of different agro-climatic conditions on growth and yield performance of bari-2011 groundnut genotype

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth and yield performance of BARI-2011 groundnut variety at four different locations of Balochistan Provence, Pakistan viz: Quetta, Loralai, Panjgoor and Pishin under various agro-climatic conditions during dry summer season 2015. The study was carried out by a randomized complete block design (RCBD) method with four replications. Results showed that the significant differences were found for days to maturity, number of pods per plant, 20 pods length, 100kernals weight and dry pod yield kg ha among different locations. The crop matured earlier at Panjgoor with minimum days to maturity (152.75) as compared to the rest of the locations. The data for yield was ranged from 1061 to 2122 kg ha. Bari 2011 showed maximum Dry pod yield (2122 kg ha), 100 kernels weight (58.00 gm), 20 pods length (70.25 cm) and No of pods plant (49.50) at Quetta that fallowed by Loralai and Panjgoor, respectively. The lowest dry pod yield (1061 kg ha) was recorded at Pishin. The results indicated that BARI-2011 groundnut genotype showed highest dry pod yield kg ha at Quetta which fallowed by Loralai as compared to other locations, so it was concluded that the climate condition of Quetta and Loralai are best for BARI-2011 groundnut cultivation.


Introduction
In the world groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) is considered the most important summer season economic crop.In Pakistan it grown-up in healthy drained sandy loam soil and in rain fed circumstances [1].The crop is cultivated on 93 thousand hectares with annually production of 85 thousand tones [2].Groundnuts is an important legume crop for the tropical and arid zoon farmers in Pakistan and its seeds contain high amounts of edible oil (43-55%) and protein (25-28%), with good foodstuff and feed crop [3].Even though it is a fairly drought-tolerant, production and its production fluctuates considerably as a result of rainfall variability.Groundnut, being a drought tolerant high-income generating and environmental friendly crop, can be a substitute crop for Balochistan.A number of researchers investigated the productive potential of groundnut genotype under different agro-ecological zones.The significant differences for yield and its characteristic were noted in 12 groundnut genotypes at three locations of Malakand division, Pakistan [4].Six groundnut genotypes at Lasbella, Balochistan, Pakistan evaluated and reported significant differences for yield within the year and over the years [5].The groundnut variety R-8808 grown at five locations of karanatka, India and obtained 30% (1300 kg ha -1 ) more yield than check variety JL-24 (1000 kg ha -

Soil characteristics
The soil used for the experiments at all the investigated sites was similar in its characteristics.For maintaining soil condition pH and organic matter following parameters were done.Soils used in all the experimental areas were sandy loam in texture.The Soils pH and organic matter were maintained 7.8 and 56%, respectively.The application of Randomized Completed Block design with four replications was made at each site and plot size was measured 4 x 1.8 m with inter and intra rows space of 45 cm and 15 cm, respectively.Fertilizers such as Urea, Nitophos and SOP were applied at the rate of 60, 60, 25 NPK kg ha -1 , respectively as a basal dose diring soil preparation before the sowing of seeds at all the locations [10].Gypsum @ 500 kg ha -1 was dusted on the standing crops at the time of full bloom for maximum pod set. 100 kg ha -1 seeds (unshelled seed) were used for sown.The seeds were sown on May 10 The observations recorded for yield and yield components during the course of trial included: Days to maturity, Pods plant -1 , 20pods length (cm), 100-kernals weight (g) and Pod yield (kg ha -1 ).

Observations recording and analysis
The method described by Khan et al. [15] was used for the counting of Days to maturity.The mature pods were considered when they showed dark brownish and yellow veins on inner side of shell with brownish yellow kernal testa.The best time for recording the maturity data was considered when the plant showed more than 60 % growth of mature pods from the total [7].Randomly 20-plants were selected from each plot for counting the number of pods per plant and on the average basis the number of pods plant-1 were recorded and counted.100-kernels weight was measured as a seed size.It was considered the weight of 100 seeds from each plot in grams.20plants were selected arbitrarily from each plant.For 20-pods length measurement the measuring scale was used.The pods of selected plants were positioned in vertical beside the measuring scale and measurement was done in centimeter.The methods described by Kham et al. [15] were used for recording the data about the yield of pods kg ha -1 .From each plot the plants were harvested and then pods were dehydrated in sun and weighted for pod yield per sub plot.The yield was changed in to kg ha -1 by means of following formula: Pod yield (kg ha -1 ) = [(pod yield plot -1 (kg) / plot size (m 2 )] × 10,000 m 2

sustained and heavy rainfall as it lies outside of monsoon range [11]. The climate of second experimental site
The climate of third study area Panjgoor was warm in summer and cool in winters; terrain elevation ranging from 465 -1776 meters above mean sea level.The potential evapotranspiration that doubly exceeds the precipitation, results in aridity or desertification.Summer is relatively shorter than winter.The rainfall is scarce in the area [13].The climate of Pishin district can be classified as having delightful summers, dry and bitterly cold winters.Pishin lies outside the sphere of monsoon currents.The district experience storms in winter season.Rainy season is mostly in the months of December to April [14].

Table 1 . Growth and yield performance of bari-2011 groundnut under different agro- climatic conditions of Balochistan Locations Name Days to Maturity No of pods plant -1 20-pods length (cm) 100-kernals weight ( gm) Dry pod yield kg ha -1
also supported the present results.In this investigation dry pod yield variation with in investigated locations might be due to climatic diversity at different areas.The variation in the dry pod yield at different locations was also reported by other investigators [ [10]rvation reported by Ahmed et al.[10]

4, 5, 8, 9, 15, 19, 21-25]. Conclusion
On the basis of above results, it was concluded that the climate condition of Quetta and Loralai are best for BARI-2011 groundnut cultivation.BARI-2011 groundnut genotype showed highest dry pod yield kg ha -1 at Quetta as compared to other locations.Therefore it is suggested that BARI-2011 groundnut genotype is suitable for commercial cultivation at Quetta and Loralai and it should avoided cultivating at Panjgoor and Pashin.Authors' Contributions Conceived and designed the experiments: SK Leghari, MA Zaidi & J Ahmed, Performed the experiments: J Ahmed & A Baloch, Analyzed the data: J Ahmed, SK Leghari & F Hussain, Contributed reagents/ materials/ analysis tools: MS Bangulzai, M Yaqoob & N Ahmed, Wrote the paper: SK Leghari & J Ahmed.