Effect of defoliation on yield of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea)

Abstract

The effects of three levels of defoliation applied at early flowering and at mid-pod-setting of peanuts were investigated. A high degree of tolerance to loss of leaf was demonstrated. Compensation following early leaf removal was shown provided terminals were not also removed. The effects of late defoliation were less when the terminals were also removed than when they were left intact.
These results are discussed in the context of defoliation caused by Heliothis punctiger Wallengren, and the conclusion is drawn that only exceptionally high populations of this pest warrant chemical control.