Department of Plant Sciences

An observation study was conducted to assess if normal and healthy groundnut pods could be produced by attached gynophores cultured in a simple nutrient solution with the aim of using the nutrient solution for detailed studies on nutrient absorption by the reproductive organs of groundnut. Several gynophores of solution grown groundnut plants of a Virginia line Virginia bunch strain 1 (VB-1), Spanish line TMV-3 and Valencia line CBBR4 were cultured in 250 ml vials, each containing an aerated, simplified nutrient solutions consisting of 2 μM iron (Fe) and 0.5 μM zinc (Zn) with or without 100 μM calcium (Ca). In all three cultivars, all gynophores cultured in the nutrient solution containing Ca produced normal and apparently healthy pods and kernels. Pod growth was vigorous in this nutrient solution. In addition, three of CBRR4 gynophores cultured in this solution (in two plants) formed roots from a short distance (apporox. 2.5 cm) above the point of pod attachment that were typical of a tap root system. All three cultivars formed pods in the solution in which no Ca was added, but pod growth was severely restricted, especially in the Virginia line. Symptoms that could be attributable to Ca deficiency developed on all pods formed in the solution without Ca. It was concluded that a simplified solution containing only Ca, Zn and Fe could support groundnut pod growth.