Effect of mepiquat chloride on certain physiological and yield characteristics of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L)

Studies were carried out to understand the effect of mepiquat chloride (1,1-dimethyl piperidinium chloride) on some important physiological and yield characteristics of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Mepiquat chloride was sprayed at the concentration of 100, 125 and 150 ppm on 25 DAS (days after sowing), 35 DAS and 45 DAS respectively and compared with CCC (2-Chloro ethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) which was sprayed at 100 ppm on 45 DAS. Response of the crop for both chemicals was almost similar bur varying in magnitude. Among the treatments application of mepiquat chloride at 125 ppm on 35 DAS was found to be the best which reduced the shoot length and Leaf Area Index (LAI) and enhanced the root length and Crop Growth Rate (CGR). Yield characteristics such as Total Dry Matter Production (TDMP), number of flowers, and pod yield were also increased by the application of mepiquat chloride at 125 ppm on 35 DAS. This treatment recorded the maximum pod yield of 2611 Kg per hectare accounting for 24 % increase over CCC which is currently recommended to improve the yield of groundnut. The results of the present investigation indicated that foliar spray of mepiquat chloride at 125 ppm concentration on 35 DAS was optimum and improved the physiological efficiency of groundnut leading to higher yield.