Influence of extending pod growth period on pod yield of groundnut

A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 1998 and 1999. The rainfall was normal during 1998 wh;le crop experienced end season drought during 1999. The normal pod growth period was 60 days and total duration of the variety TMV2 was 105 days. Pod growth period was extended by 10 or 20 days by protecting foliage against foliar diseases. The results revealed that fungicidal spray by controlling late. leaf spot increased the pod yield of rainfed groundnut. Extending the pod growth period by 10 days marginally increased the pod yield in favourable year and did not influence during drought year. However haulm yield was significantly increased by extending pod growth period by 10 days. However extending pod growthperiod by 20 days reduced both pod and haulrn yield, in both years. Peak demand for labour during harvest period could be reduced by extending pod growth period by ten days in normal year and by harvesting at normal date in drought year instead of premature harvesting resorted by farmers.