Ethylene induced changes in sugar content of flowers and their role in gynophore and pod development in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Variation in sugar content of flowers and its effect on gynophores and pod development in groundnut cultivars ‘M522’ and ‘SG-84’ with foliar application of ethrel (ethylene releasing substance) and cobalt chloride (CoCl₂) was studied. Sugar content, number of gynophores and number of pods/plant increased with CoCl₂ and decreased with ethrel application compared to those of control. Retained flowers recorded highersugar content than the abscised flowers. Higher soluble sugar content of the retained flowers was favourable for early gynophores formation and ultimately synchronous pod development. Thus, early emergence of gynophores leading to formation of effective pods can be maneuvered through the exogenous application of cobalt chloride (cobalt acting as ethylene antagonist).