Groundnut, also known as peanut, holds a significant position in Malawi as both a crucial food and cash crop. Rich in protein, vitamins, and vegetable oils, groundnuts contribute to the nutritional well-being of the population. However, recent years have seen a decline in production, leading to substantial imports of vegetable oils. To address this challenge and promote import substitution, it becomes imperative to enhance groundnut production, particularly focusing on oil-rich varieties. In this blog post, we explore the secret to improving groundnut yield through the use of recommended improved varieties.
Benefits of Groundnut Cultivation
Before delving into the recommended varieties, it's important to highlight the manifold benefits of groundnut cultivation. Groundnuts are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, enhancing soil fertility when grown in rotation with other crops like maize or tobacco. Additionally, groundnut haulms serve as an excellent source of animal feed, particularly during the dry season when feedstock becomes scarce.
Recommended Improved Groundnut Varieties
The National Programme in Malawi has identified and released several improved groundnut varieties to boost yield and address the challenges faced by farmers. Let's explore some of these recommended varieties:
1.CG 7 - ICGV-SM 83708
A confectionery groundnut variety with medium-sized seeds, recommended for cultivation in all groundnut-growing areas of the country. Featuring a bunch growth habit and drought tolerance, it matures in 130 to 150 days. The seeds are uniform, red, and boast a 48% oil content. With a Virginia runner growth habit, CG 7 has a promising yield potential of 2500 kg per hectare.
2.Nsinjiro - ICGV-SM 90704
A confectionery groundnut variety recommended for cultivation in all plateau areas of Malawi, situated within the altitude range of 1000-1500m above sea level. Maturing between 120 to 140 days after sowing, Nsinjiro exhibits a yield potential comparable to CG7 but possesses the added advantage of being tolerant to groundnut rosette. The seeds are tan, containing 45% oil, with a potential yield of 2000 kg per hectare. This variety is characterized by a spreading bunch growth habit.
3.Chalimbana 2005 - CML 851/7
A recommended confectionery groundnut variety for plateau areas in Malawi, Chalimbana 2005 thrives within the altitude range of 1000 to 1500m above sea level. Developed by the national program and released in 2005, it is a Virginia bunch variety with a tan seed coat, maturing in 130 to 140 days. Featuring 45% oil content, it boasts a yield potential ranging from 2000 to 2500 kg per hectare. Notably, Chalimbana 2005 exhibits moderate resistance to both rosette and early leaf spot diseases
4.Kakoma - JL 24
Kakoma, a recommended confectionery groundnut, thrives in low-lying areas within an altitude range of 200-500m above sea level, including the Shire Valley and Lakeshore Areas. Suitable for off-season (dimba) cultivation, Kakoma matures in 90 to 120 days after sowing and lacks seed dormancy. The small, pale tan seeds contain 48% oil, and with an erect bunch growth habit, Kakoma has a potential yield of 1500 kg per hectare.
5.Baka - ICG 129991
Baka, another confectionery groundnut, is suggested for production in low-lying areas within an altitude range of 200-500m above sea level, similar to Kakoma. Maturing in 90 to 120 days without seed dormancy, Baka's pale tan seeds contain 48% oil, slightly smaller than Kakoma's. Notably, Baka holds an advantage as it is rosette-tolerant, featuring an erect bunch growth habit.
6. Chitala (ICGV-SM 99568)
Chitala, a Spanish bunch confectionery groundnut, is suited for cultivation within an altitude range of 200-500m above sea level, including areas like the Shire Valley and lakeshore regions. It can also thrive during the off-season under dimba cultivation, utilizing residual moisture or irrigation. With a seed yield potential of 1500 kg/ha, Chitala matures in a short duration of 90 to 100 days after sowing and exhibits no seed dormancy. Its medium-sized tan seeds, weighing 41g/100 seeds, contain 48% oil. Notably, Chitala possesses an additional attribute of resistance to rosette.
7.CG 8 (ICGV-SM 08501)
This newly released medium-duration Virginia type groundnut is recommended for cultivation in mid-altitude areas. With a substantial yield potential of 2500 kg/ha, CG 8 features a decumbent growth pattern, dark-green leaves, and orange-yellow flowers. It reaches 50% flowering in approximately 40 days, with a deep pod constriction that produces 2 medium to large red-colored seeds per pod. With a shelling percentage of ≥70%, CG 8 takes 120 to 130 days to reach maturity and demonstrates resistance to groundnut rosette disease.
8.CG 9 (ICGV-SM 08503)
Another newly released medium-duration Virginia type groundnut, CG 9 is recommended for mid-altitude areas. Similar to CG 8, it has a yield potential of 2500 kg/ha, a decumbent growth habit, green leaves, and orange-yellow flowers. Featuring a very deep pod constriction, it produces 2 medium to large red-colored seeds per pod, with a shelling percentage of ≥70%. Taking 120 to 130 days to reach maturity, CG 9 is resistant to Groundnut Rosette Disease.
9.CG 10 (ICGV-SM 01724)
CG 10, a recently introduced medium-duration Virginia type groundnut variety, is recommended for cultivation in mid-altitude areas. It demonstrates a substantial yield potential of 2000 kg/ha. With a decumbent growth habit, green leaves, and orange-yellow flowers, it achieves 50% flowering in around 40 days. Featuring a deep pod constriction, CG 10 produces 2 medium to large light red-colored seeds per pod, with a shelling percentage of ≥69%. Its maturation period spans 120 to 130 days, and it displays resistance to groundnut rosette disease.
10. CG 11 (ICGV-SM 01731)
Another newly released medium-duration Virginia type groundnut, CG 11, is recommended for mid-altitude areas. Boasting a yield potential of 2500 kg/ha, it exhibits a decumbent growth pattern, green leaves, and orange-yellow flowers. Reaching 50% flowering in about 39 days, CG 11 has a moderate pod constriction and produces 2 medium to large tan-colored seeds per pod, with a shelling percentage of ≥65%. It takes 120 to 130 days to reach maturity and is resistant to groundnut rosette disease.
11. CG 12 (ICGV-SM 01514)
A newly released short-duration Spanish type groundnut, CG 12, is recommended for cultivation in low-altitude areas. With a yield potential of 1500 kg/ha, it has an erect growth habit, light green leaves, and yellow flowers. Reaching 50% flowering in approximately 34 days, CG 12 features a deep pod constriction, producing 2 small to medium very pale tan-colored seeds per pod. It achieves maturity in 90 to 100 days and exhibits tolerance to drought and groundnut rosette disease.
12. CG 13 (ICGV-SM 99551)
Newly introduced in low-altitude areas, CG 13 is a short-duration Spanish type groundnut with a yield potential of 2000 kg/ha. Characterized by an erect growth habit, light green leaves, and orange-yellow flowers, it reaches 50% flowering in about 32 days. With a slight pod constriction, CG 13 produces 2 small to medium pale tan-colored seeds per pod, having a shelling percentage of ≥67%. Maturing in 100 to 110 days, it is resistant to rosette and tolerant to drought.
13. CG 14 (ICGV-SM 99556)
Another short-duration Spanish type groundnut, CG 14, is recommended for cultivation in low-altitude areas. With a yield potential of 2000 kg/ha, it exhibits an erect growth habit, light green leaves, and orange-yellow flowers. Reaching 50% flowering in about 33 days, CG 14 has no pod constriction, producing 2 small to medium very pale tan-colored seeds per pod, with a shelling percentage of ≥74%. Maturing in 100 to 110 days, CG 14 is notably tolerant to drought.
The secret to improving groundnut yield lies in the strategic adoption of recommended improved varieties. By selecting varieties based on factors such as altitude, maturity period, and disease resistance, Malawian farmers can significantly enhance groundnut production. This not only ensures food security and improved nutrition but also plays a crucial role in import substitution, reducing the reliance on imported vegetable oils. As farmers embrace these varieties, they contribute to the overall agricultural landscape, fostering sustainability and economic growth in Malawi.
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