Lesson 1: Introduction

Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L., or peanut)

originated on the eastern side of the Andes

Mountains in South America. This plant was

slowly domesticated and transported across the

world by traders. The plant is unique in that the

above-ground flowers produce fruit or pods

that migrate on pegs to the soil surface and

develop underground into what we know as a

groundnut. Pod size can vary considerably

among varieties.

Spanish, Valencia, and Virginia botanical type

groundnuts are grown throughout the world

depending upon market demand and feasibility

of production. Spanish and Virginia types

are the major variety types grown in

Africa including Malawi for both

domestic consumption and regional

trading.

Groundnuts express an indeterminate growth habit

which reflects both vegetative and reproductive growth

at the same time. [Figures 1.1 and 1.2]

This growth habit results in a wide range of pod

maturity on a single plant at harvest. This habit creates

an advantage by increasing resilience and allowing

groundnuts to compensate for stresses during the

growing season. It also creates a disadvantage because

pods do not mature at the same time, making the

decision of when to dig difficult. While the length of

major growth stages or development stages can vary,

Table 1.1 provides estimates that may be used for

groundnuts in Malawi.