Response of Groundnut Genotypes to Sowing Dates in Fatty Acids, Oil, and Protein Content

• Mohammed J. Habeeb Al-Hiti1* and Sinan A. Abas Al-Salmani 2

  Author

A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2025 in one of the agricultural fields in Al-Mashatal area, belonging to Hit District in Anbar Governorate, on the right bank of the Euphrates River, located at longitude 42.82 and latitude 33.63, in sandy loam soil, This study aimed to investigate the response of the newly introduced peanut varieties NC7 and Ausa Hanim, compared to the local variety Saadiya, to three planting dates: April 15, May 1, and May 15. This was achieved by evaluating several seed quality characteristics, including oil content, protein content, and fatty acid composition (oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a split-plot system and three replications. Planting dates were assigned to the main plots, while the genetic varieties occupied the subplots. The main findings of the study can be summarized as follows: Plants of the groundnut genotypes grown at different sowing dates showed significant differences Regarding seed quality traits and fatty acid content. Plants sown on April 15 were superior in protein percentage, reaching 22.50%, oil percentage, reaching 45.40%, oleic acid percentage, reaching 54.64%, and palmitic acid percentage, reaching 12.55%. In contrast, the May 1sowing date recorded superiority in linoleic acid and stearic acid contents, reaching 31.72% and 2.74%, respectively. The NC7 genotype was superior in protein percentage, reaching 23.28%, oleic acid percentage, reaching 57.07%, linoleic acid percentage, reaching 32.56%, palmitic acid percentage, reaching 12.99%, and stearic acid percentage, reaching 2.66%. In contrast, the Ausa hanim genotype was superior in oil percentage, reaching 45.40%. A significant interaction occurred between sowing dates and the groundnut genotypes included in the study.

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