When do the latest peanuts mature? Signs that peanuts are ripe
Peanuts are a very common crop in China and also a very important oilseed crop. They are grown over a wide area in China, and peanut yields are very high. When growing them, we need to pay attention to the maturation time of peanuts and harvest them in time. If the harvest time is not appropriate, it will affect the peanut yield. So when should peanuts be harvested? Below, the editor has brought you the signs that peanuts are ripe. Let us take a look!
1. Maturation time
The maturation time of peanuts varies. It depends on factors such as the growing region and planting time of the peanuts. Moreover, the peanut variety grown is also a main factor affecting when peanuts mature. Under normal circumstances, the growth cycle of peanuts is generally about 3-5 months. If they are some mid-to-late maturing peanut varieties, then the maturation time is generally a bit longer, about half a year or so. In addition, if they are planted early, then the harvest time will also be early; conversely, it will be later. These are all things to pay attention to when harvesting peanuts.
2. Signs of maturity
1. Plant appearance
After peanuts mature and enter the harvest period, their plants, stems and leaves all undergo relatively large changes. Judging by the appearance of the plant, the day-opening and night-closing phenomenon of the upper leaves on the plant gradually disappears, or becomes less sensitive. The middle and lower leaves begin to change color and gradually turn yellow. The color of the stems also gradually turns yellow-green and begins to wither and soften. Because the plant withers and softens, the plant changes from a compact plant type to a loose one. If you observe carefully, the plant also shows signs of lodging, and at this time it means the peanuts have matured and the best period for peanut harvest has arrived.
2. Pod maturity
We should also judge whether peanuts are mature based on the maturity of the peanut pods. For different varieties, the judging standards also differ. For example, if it is a small-pod early-maturing peanut variety, then the full-pod rate must be guaranteed to be above 75%. For medium-pod mid-maturing varieties, the full-pod rate should be 65%, and for ordinary late-maturing varieties, there should also be a full-pod rate of 45%. If, on careful observation, the pods have obvious reticulation, the inner spongy layer gradually shrinks and breaks, and the kernels are plump, then they should be harvested in time. If harvested too late, it will have a great impact on the quality and yield of the peanuts.
3. Different situations mean different harvest times
In addition, we should also determine the peanut harvesting time according to the actual situation of the peanuts. For example, if the soil fertility and the variety grown are used as the standard, then poor-fertility barren land and early-maturing varieties should generally be harvested first. Conversely, plots with good fertility and late-maturing varieties should be harvested appropriately later. If you want to keep seeds for yourself, then the harvest time should be earlier than for ordinary peanuts. During harvest, we should pay attention to weather changes, avoid rain, prevent the peanuts from getting damp, and avoid reducing planting benefits. Also, because freshly harvested peanut pods have a moisture content as high as 50%, in order to prevent mold and rot, they should be dried in the sun in time.
The above is a brief introduction to when peanuts mature and the signs that peanuts are ripe. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can be helpful to everyone!