Arachis hypogaea

Why are the seeds of this species difficult? Some sub-species have seeds with physiological dormancy, which would have to be overcome before they will germinate. The seeds are relatively short-lived, so may not remain viable for a long time in storage.

Arachis hypogaea (Image: S. Wood, RBG Kew)

Seed Storage

This species has Orthodox seeds - dry to 15-20% eRH and store at -20ºC, or as cool as possible.

The seeds of this species are relatively Short-lived in storage. Monitor viability at least every five years, and more frequently once viability begins to decline. When viability falls close to the regeneration standard, the collection will need to be re-generated or re-collected.

Germination Requirements

Sow on germination paper or sand and germinate under at 25ºC.

The seeds of some sub-species may be Physiologically Dormant (based on other species in same genus). If germination is low, try soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing. This may remove the inhibitory substances in the seed coat that cause this type of seed dormancy.

Seed Morphology

Arachis hypogaea section
(Image: S. Wood, RBG Kew)

Taxonomy

Family: LEGUMINOSAE-PAPILIONOIDEAE

Accepted name: Arachis hypogaea L.

Synonyms: none

Common name: groundnut, peanut

References and Links

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (1994). Genebank Standards. FAO/IPGRI, Rome, Italy.
International Seed Testing Association (2010). International Rules for Seed Testing: edition 2010. ISTA, Bassersdorf, Switzerland.
Rao, N.K., Hanson, J., Dulloo, M.E., Ghosh, K., Nowell, D. and Larinde, M. (2006). Manual of seed handling in genebanks. Handbooks for Genebanks No. 8. Bioversity International, Rome, Italy.
Walters, C., Wheeler, L.M., Grotenhuis, J.M. (2005). Longevity of seeds stored in a genebank: species characteristics. Seed Science Research, Vol 15 (1): pp1-20.

AFPD (African Flowering Plants Database) - Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques de la Ville de Genève, Switzerland, and South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, RSA: Arachis hypogaea.
PROTAbase (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa) - Wageningen, Netherlands: Arachis hypogaea.
SID (Seed Information Database) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK: Arachis hypogaea.
Tropicos - Missouri Botanical Garden, USA: Arachis hypogaea.