The effects of elemental sulphur on flowering and pod maturation in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under irrigation

Field experiments were carried out for two consecutive seasons (1980/81–81/82) in order to study the effects of elemental sulphur on flowering and pod maturation in groundnut under irrigation. Four rates of elemental sulphur (0, 50, 100, 150 kg S/ha) were used. Each rate was applied either at sowing, at maximum flowering or split equally between these two stages. Flower number per plant, total and mature pod number per plant as well as seed weight were significantly increased by sulphur when applied at sowing. Sulphur applied at flowering had no effect on these attributes. In addition, protein and total sulphur content of seeds were significantly increased by all sulphur treatments. The greatest response was obtained at or below 50 kg S/ha but above this rate there was no further increase in response.