Effects of Selenium Application on Plant Growth and Some Quality Parameters in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Selenium (Se) is an essential plant micronutrient and has been repetedly shown to enhance crop growth and crop tolerance to abiotic stresses when applied in trace amounts. However, physiological responses of different plants vary significantly to the Se fertilizer application. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Se application on yield and quality parameters of peanut under field conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pot experiment was conducted where Se fertilizer was applied (i) To soil at 5 different doses, (ii) As folier fertilizer or (iii) Via seed soaking at 4 different doses. Two years field experiments were conducted under East Mediterranean conditions of Turkey.

RESULTS: The yields were significantly increased by all types of Se applications. The highest yield (6130 kg ha-1) was obtained from foliar applications made 40 days after flowering. Increasing doses of Se increased 100 grain weight but oil, protein and nitrogen content of grains were not affected.

CONCLUSION: Two years experiment clearly showed that external Se supply to peanut (all methods tested) increased yield formation in East Mediterranean conditions of Turkey. Here, particularly foliar application (3% sodium selenite) of Se 40 after flowering seems to be most effective way for its application.