Growth, Yield and Weed Suppression of Groundnut Varieties (<i>Arachis hypogaea </i>L.) as Influenced by Intra-Row Spacing in the Sudan Savannah Ecological Zone of Nigeria

Field trials were conducted during the 2023 rainy season at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University Kano, and the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) research farm Minjibir, Kano, Nigeria, to evaluate the growth, yield, and weed suppression of groundnut varieties as influenced by intra-row spacing. The experiment treatments consisted of five varieties of groundnut, which were made up of four improved varieties (SAMNUT-21, SAMNUT-23, SAMNUT-24, SAMNUT-27) and a local variety (Maibargo) with three intra-row spacings (20, 30, and 40 cm), respectively, which were factorially combined and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Results showed that variety significantly (P < 0.001) influenced plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, and canopy spread. SAMNUT-23 and Maibargo exhibited superior growth characteristics compared to other varieties. Intra-row spacing also significantly (P < 0.001) affected plant growth, with wider spacing generally leading to increased plant height, number of branches, and canopy spread. Additionally, variety and intra-row spacing interaction significantly impacted weed control, with narrower spacing and certain varieties demonstrating better weed suppression. In terms of yield, SAMNUT-23 consistently outperformed other varieties in pod (1013.7 kg ha⁻¹), haulm (2012 kg ha⁻¹), and kernel yield (599.7 kg ha⁻¹). Thus, the combination of SAMNUT-23 with 20 cm intra-row spacing proved to be the most effective in maximizing yield and minimizing weed competition. These findings highlight the importance of variety selection and optimal spacing in improving groundnut productivity.