Growth, gas exchange and yield of peanut in frequency of irrigation

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different irrigation frequencies on growth, gas exchange and yield of the peanut (Arachis ypogea L). The experiment was conducted in the field using the experimental design of randomized blocks with five treatments, five replications with four plants per plot. The treatments were composed: F2 = (irrigation every 2 days), F4 = (irrigation every 4 days), F6 = (irrigation every 6 days), F8 = (irrigation every 2 days) and F10 = (irrigation every 10 days). At 60 days after sowing (DAS), the gas exchange variables (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration) and growth variables (plant height, leaf number, stem diameter and shoot dry matter) were evaluated. The highest irrigation frequency tested (every two days) promoted the best results for plant growth (leaf number, plant height, shoot dry matter) e for leaf gas exchange. The highest yield of field grown peanuts at the conditions prevailing in Fortaleza, Ceará, is associated with the adoption of an irrigation frequency interval of two days.